Brazilian football icon Dani Alves was released from jail on Monday after paying a 1 million euro bail while appealing a rape conviction in Spain, as confirmed by a Spanish court.
The former Barcelona player surrendered his passports as part of the bail conditions, with prosecutors expressing concerns about him fleeing the country.
Alves was convicted last month for an incident at a nightclub in December 2022 and was sentenced to four years and six months in prison. Throughout the trial, he maintained his innocence.
The 40-year-old, who appeared at the courthouse dressed in jeans and a black jacket over a white shirt, had been detained for the past 14 months at the Brians II prison near Barcelona while authorities investigated the allegations against him.
Under the bail terms, Alves cannot leave Spain and is forbidden from contacting the victim. His release happened amid a protest by prison officers demanding better conditions following an incident at another jail. Alves must report to court every Friday and can be called in at other times.
He is also required to provide contact details for communication and can’t be near the victim’s home, workplace, or other frequented places.
Although previous bail requests were denied due to flight risk concerns, a court granted him bail last week, citing reduced flight risk. However, the state prosecutors in Barcelona have requested a reconsideration, arguing that the risk increased after his conviction.
The date for the appeals trial in Barcelona’s higher court is yet to be set. Alves’ lawyers seek acquittal, while prosecutors aim to extend his sentence to nine years, whereas the victim’s lawyer seeks a 12-year jail term.
Alves, known for his successful career with top clubs like Barcelona, Juventus, and Paris Saint-Germain, has also achieved success with the Brazilian national team, winning two Copa Americas and an Olympic gold medal. He represented Brazil in the 2022 World Cup and still maintains a residence in Barcelona.
