Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Dani Alves

Discover the career path of Dani Alves, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Dani Alves is a Brazilian former professional footballer, primarily a right-back, considered one of the best full-backs ever. He holds the record for most trophies won by a footballer, boasting an impressive 43 titles throughout his career.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1988: Reference to Ricardo Piccinini in 1988

In June 2021, Alves was named in the Brazil squad for the 2020 Summer Olympics, behind Ricardo Piccinini in 1988

2001: Professional Debut

In 2001, Dani Alves made his professional debut for Bahia against Paraná Clube, providing two assists and winning a penalty.

2001: Career at Bahia

In 2001, Dani Alves started his professional career at Bahia.

2002: Loan to Sevilla

In 2002, Dani Alves was on loan to Sevilla from Bahia.

2002: Won Copa do Nordeste and Loaned to Sevilla

In 2002, Dani Alves won the Copa do Nordeste with Bahia and was loaned to Sevilla.

2003: FIFA World Youth Championship

In 2003, Dani Alves played in the 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship, where he impressed as Brazil won the tournament. He was named the third-best player of the tournament and the Sevilla move was made permanent.

June 2006: Agreed to sell Alves to Liverpool

In June 2006, Sevilla agreed to sell Dani Alves to Liverpool, but Liverpool were unable to match Sevilla's asking price.

October 2006: Brazil Debut

In October 2006, Alves made his debut for Brazil as a substitute in an unofficial friendly match against Al-Kuwait Selection. Days later, he earned his first international cap in a friendly against Ecuador.

December 2006: Signed New Contract with Sevilla

In December 2006, Dani Alves signed a new contract with Sevilla, tying him to the club until 2012.

2006: First International Match for Brazil

In 2006, Dani Alves played his first full international match for Brazil.

August 2007: Desire to Leave Sevilla

In August 2007, Dani Alves expressed his desire to leave Sevilla for a European giant, specifically mentioning Chelsea's interest.

August 2007: Chelsea Bid Rejected

In August 2007, Sevilla rejected multiple bids from Chelsea for Dani Alves, leading to a public dispute and ultimately Alves staying with Sevilla.

2007: Copa América Victory

In 2007, Alves played in four matches, including the final against Argentina, where he assisted on an own goal and scored himself in Brazil's 3–0 victory in the Copa América.

July 2008: Joined Barcelona

On 2 July 2008, Dani Alves joined Barcelona.

August 2008: Competitive and European Debuts for Barcelona

In August 2008, Dani Alves made his competitive and European debuts for Barcelona against Wisła Kraków.

2009: Confederations Cup Winning Goal

In 2009, Alves scored the winning goal in the FIFA Confederations Cup semi-final against South Africa, a free-kick in the 88th minute, securing a 1–0 victory for Brazil.

October 2010: Goal Against Iran

On October 7, 2010, Alves scored a long-range free-kick against Iran.

September 2011: Special Olympics Ambassador

On September 29, 2011, Alves was appointed as a Special Olympics Ambassador for its Global Football program.

2011: Inclusion in Copa América Squad

In 2011, Alves was included in Brazil's 23-man squad for the Copa América in Argentina.

2012: Reference to Ryan Giggs in 2012

In June 2021, Alves was named in the Brazil squad for the 2020 Summer Olympics, behind Ryan Giggs in 2012

2013: FIFA Confederations Cup Victory

In 2013, Alves was part of the Brazil team that won the FIFA Confederations Cup, starting in the 3–0 victory over Spain in the final on June 30, at the Maracanã Stadium.

May 2014: Named to 2014 FIFA World Cup Squad

In May 2014, Alves was named to Brazil's squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup on home soil.

2014: Promoting respect and inclusion in football

In 2014, Alves was promoting respect and inclusion in football for people with intellectual disabilities

June 2015: Contract Extension with Barcelona

On 9 June 2015, Dani Alves signed a two-year contract with Barcelona, keeping him at the club until 30 June 2017, with the option to extend a further year.

2015: Participation in 2015 Copa América

In 2015, Alves was picked as a starter in the Copa América tournament by manager Dunga.

June 2016: Departure from Barcelona Announced

On 2 June 2016, Barcelona announced that Dani Alves was leaving the club after eight years, even though he was under contract until 30 June 2017.

June 2016: Signed with Juventus

On 27 June 2016, Juventus announced the signing of Dani Alves on a two-year deal.

2016: Signed with Juventus

In 2016, Juventus signed Dani Alves on a free transfer.

May 2017: Champions League Qualification and Coppa Italia Win

In May 2017, Dani Alves scored and assisted in Juventus's Champions League qualification, scored in the Coppa Italia Final, and appeared in the Champions League Final.

June 2017: Contract Terminated with Juventus

On 29 June 2017, Dani Alves had his contract with Juventus terminated by mutual consent.

July 2017: Joined Paris Saint-Germain

On 12 July 2017, Dani Alves joined French side Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer, signing a two-year contract.

2017: Joined Paris Saint-Germain

In 2017, Dani Alves joined French side Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer.

2018: Ruled out of 2018 FIFA World Cup

In 2018, Alves helped Brazil secure qualification for the FIFA World Cup, but was ruled out of the tournament due to a knee injury.

May 2019: Included in 2019 Copa América Squad

In May 2019, Alves was included in Brazil's squad for the 2019 Copa América, and he replaced Neymar as captain.

June 2019: Became a Free Agent

After his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expired on 30 June 2019, Dani Alves became a free agent.

August 2019: Debut and Goal for São Paulo

In August 2019, Dani Alves debuted for São Paulo, scoring the only goal in a 1–0 league win over Ceará. He also received the number 10 shirt and was made the first team captain upon his arrival.

August 2019: Signed with São Paulo

On 1 August 2019, São Paulo announced the signing of Dani Alves on a contract that runs until December 2022.

2019: Contract with Sao Paulo FC

In 2019 Dani Alves signed a contract with Sao Paulo FC.

2019: Returned to Brazil, joining São Paulo

In 2019, Dani Alves returned to his home country, joining São Paulo.

2020: Participated in the 2020 Summer Olympics

Dani Alves was named in the Brazil squad for the 2020 Summer Olympics.

June 2021: Named in Brazil squad for 2020 Summer Olympics

In June 2021, Alves was named in the Brazil squad for the 2020 Summer Olympics.

September 2021: Departure from São Paulo

In September 2021, Alves' representatives informed São Paulo that he would no longer train or play for the club due to a dispute over unpaid image rights, leading to his contract termination six days later.

November 2021: Agreement with Barcelona

In November 2021, Barcelona announced an agreement in principle to sign Alves until the end of the season.

December 2021: Second Debut for Barcelona in Friendly Match

In December 2021, Dani Alves made his second debut for Barcelona in a friendly match against Boca Juniors, honoring Diego Maradona.

2021: Returned to Barcelona

In 2021, Dani Alves returned to Barcelona for one season.

2021: Return to Defensive Role and Title Win

In 2021, manager Hernán Crespo shifted Alves back to a right-sided wingback position and gave the captain's armband to Miranda. In May 2021, he won the Campeonato Paulista with São Paulo, marking his 42nd career title and ending the club's 8-year trophy drought.

January 2022: Official Debut for Barcelona

In January 2022, Alves made his official debut for Barcelona in a Copa del Rey match against Linares Deportivo, which they won 2–1.

February 2022: Goal and Red Card for Barcelona

In February 2022, Alves scored his first goal since returning to Barcelona in a 4–2 win over Atlético Madrid, also providing an assist. However, he was also sent off for a foul during the same match.