ONCE regarded as one of the best right-sided players in the world, Dani Alves was found guilty of rape.
However, the disgraced football star is now set to be released from prison so he can appeal his conviction.
Why was Dani Alves in prison?
Brazilian international Dani Alves was accused of raping a woman in a nightclub in Barcelona on December 30, 2022.
In a trial held in Barcelona in February 2024, the footballer denied the allegations and said the encounter had been consensual.
Held at Barcelona’s Audiencia Provincial Court, the trial lasted three days and saw the victim, witnesses, and experts testify.
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Alves had previously confirmed he had sex with a woman in the nightclub's toilet but insisted it was consensual.
His accuser told the prosecution that she had willingly entered the bathroom with him, but that he forced her to stay after she wanted to leave.
In court she claimed that he slapped and insulting her, before forcing her to have sex with him.
Following the trial, Alves was found guilty of raping the woman.
When was Dani Alves arrested?
Alves was accused of sexually assaulting a woman in a nightclub on New Years Eve in December 2022.
He was first arrested in January 2023, and was immediately detained while awaiting trial.
How long did Dani Alves go to jail for?
In February 2024, Alves was sentenced to four-and-a-half years behind bars for the rape.
The court also ordered Alves to pay £130,000 (€150k) in compensation to the victim.
The ruling included a nine-and-a-half-year restraining order from the accuser.
The court said in a statement: "The sentence considers that it has been proven that the victim did not consent and that there is evidence, in addition to the testimony of the plaintiff, to consider the rape proven.”
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Following the sentence, Alves was sent to Brians 2 prison in Barcelona.
However on March 20, 2024 - just four weeks after being sent to jail - he was set to be freed after it was agreed he could appeal his conviction.
His bail was set at his €1million (£850,000).
Where is Dani Alves now?
After being granted bail, Alves will be allowed to live at home while his appeal goes through.
The conditions for his release include relinquishing both his Brazilian and Spanish passports so he cannot flee Spain.
He is also obliged to appear before the court on a weekly basis.
The court also imposed a restraining order, barring the shamed star from coming within 1000m of his victim.
Is Dani Alves retired?
Before his arrest, Alves had an incredible career as a footballer which included being right-back for La Liga side Barcelona.
During his time on the pitch, he won six La Liga titles, two Ligue 1 titles and the Serie A.
Alves also won the UEFA Champions League on three occasions while playing for Barcelona in 2009, 2011 and 2015.
After a successful spell in Spain, Alves moved to Juventus in 2016 on a free transfer.
He helped the Turin club to a League title, a Coppa Italia and was an important part of the side that reached the 2017 UEFA Champions League final, losing to Real Madrid.
Having spent just one season in Italy, Alves joined French side Paris Saint-Germain, where he enjoyed further trophy success.
Then after a spell at Sao Paulo in Brazil, Alves re-joined Barcelona in 2021.
He left for a second time in 2022 after 17 appearances, signing for UNAM in Mexico, playing 13 games before they terminated his contract in 2023.
Alves has not revealed the future of his football career.
