Former Barcelona and Brazil defender Dani Alves has had his rape conviction overturned after a successful appeal in a Spanish court. The appeals division of Catalonia’s High Court of Justice unanimously ruled in favor of the 41-year-old, acquitting him due to “inconsistencies and contradictions” in the case.

Alves was initially sentenced to four and a half years in prison in February 2024 after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman in a Barcelona nightclub in 2022. However, he was released on bail in March 2024 while awaiting a higher court’s review.

In its ruling, the appeals court noted several critical flaws in the original judgment, stating:
“The ruling contains, throughout the reasoning, a series of gaps, inaccuracies, inconsistencies, and contradictions regarding the facts, the legal assessment, and their consequences.”

The court also highlighted that the complainant’s account lacked proper scrutiny and did not align with the fingerprint and biological evidence that supported Alves’ defense. Furthermore, it found the claim that the complainant followed Alves into the bathroom out of fear “unreasonable” and instead concluded that she entered voluntarily for more intimate interaction.

With this ruling, all restrictions on Alves, including a travel ban and restraining order, have been lifted. However, the decision may still be appealed to Spain’s Supreme Court.

Alves’ lawyer, Ines Guardiola, celebrated the acquittal, telling RAC1 radio, “Alves is very happy. He is innocent, that is demonstrated. Justice has spoken.”

The Brazilian star, who enjoyed trophy-laden stints with Barcelona, Sevilla, Juventus, and Paris Saint-Germain, and helped Brazil win two Copa Americas and Olympic gold at 38, had his contract with Mexican club Pumas UNAM terminated immediately after his arrest. However, with his name now cleared, the 126-time capped international may look to rebuild his life and career.