Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Dani Alves

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 28, 2025

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Dani Alves.

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

April 2014: Arrest Made in Connection with Racial Abuse Incident

In April 2014, a man was arrested in connection with the racial abuse incident where a banana was thrown at Dani Alves.

April 2014: Racial Abuse Incident

In April 2014, during a match at Villarreal's stadium, Dani Alves was targeted by a Villarreal supporter, who threw a banana at him as a gesture of racial abuse. Alves responded by eating the banana.

April 2015: Support for Armenian Genocide Recognition

On April 24, 2015, Alves publicly expressed his support for the campaign for international recognition of the Armenian genocide, later apologizing to his Turkish fans on April 27, 2015.

2015: "Bizarre" Video and Dropped from Match

In 2015, after Barcelona were eliminated from the Champions League, Dani Alves posted a "bizarre" video on Instagram and was subsequently dropped from a match.

September 2021: Support for Jair Bolsonaro and Appointment to Earthshot Prize Council

In September 2021, Alves indicated his support for Jair Bolsonaro and was appointed as an Earthshot Prize council member.

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.

December 2022: Alleged Sexual Assault in Barcelona Nightclub

On December 30, 2022, the alleged sexual assault occurred at a Barcelona nightclub, leading to the subsequent arrest and charges against Alves in January 2023.

2022: Spanish 2022 Consensual Sex Law Passed

In 2022, The crime could receive prosecution through Spain's recently passed 2022 consensual sex law.

2022: Trial was the first to be held under Spain's 2022 sex crime law.

The trial was also regarded as the first high-profile trial to be held under Spain's 2022 sex crime law.

January 2023: Contract Termination by UNAM

In January 2023, following his arrest for sexual assault allegations, UNAM terminated Alves' contract with the club.

January 2023: Arrest for Sexual Assault

On January 20, 2023, Alves was arrested by Catalan police and remanded in custody without bail on charges of sexual assault.

February 2023: Witness Testimony and Potential Prosecution Under 2022 Consensual Sex Law

By February 2023, at least eight witnesses had provided testimony, and it was reported that the crime could receive prosecution through Spain's recently passed 2022 consensual sex law.

April 2023: Testimony in Court

On April 17, 2023, Alves testified in court, claiming he had consensual sexual intercourse with the woman during the incident, after previously denying any sexual activity.

May 2023: Bail Denial

In May 2023, Alves was denied bail and remained in prison.

July 2023: Original Trial Schedule

In July 2023, it was reported that Alves' trial in Spain was originally scheduled to take place between October and November 2023.

August 2023: Formal Indictment and Trial Date Determination

On August 2, 2023, Alves was formally indicted, and it was determined that a trial date would be set for later in the year or early in 2024.

November 2023: Original Trial Schedule

In July 2023, it was reported that Alves' trial in Spain was originally scheduled to take place between October and November 2023.

December 2023: Trial Scheduled for February 2024

On December 20, 2023, a Barcelona-based court scheduled Alves' trial to begin on February 5, 2024.

2023: Detained in Spain, charged with sexual assault

In 2023, Dani Alves was detained in Spain and charged with sexual assault.

January 2024: Fifth Version of Events

On January 17, 2024, Alves claimed he was severely impaired by alcohol consumption, detailing his fifth version of events regarding the alleged incident.

February 2024: Continued Imprisonment

By February 2024, Alves was still in prison awaiting trial.

February 2024: Convicted of rape, sentenced to prison

In February 2024, Dani Alves was convicted of rape and sentenced to four and a half years in prison.

February 2024: Guilty Verdict and Sentencing

On February 22, 2024, Alves was found guilty of rape and sentenced to four and a half years in prison. He was also ordered to pay €150,000 in damages to the victim. Following the sentence, Barcelona retired him from the "Legend" section, but later reinstated his likeness on the website.

March 2024: Alves released from jail on bail

On 20 March 2024, Dani Alves was released from jail after posting €1,000,000 bail. As part of the conditions for his release, Alves had to surrender his Spanish and Brazilian passports, preventing him from leaving Spain, appear in court weekly, and maintain a distance from the victim. This ruling is still subject to appeal.