The woman who accused former Brazil and Barcelona football star Dani Alves of rape has officially appealed the recent overturning of his conviction.
Her legal representative, Ester Garcia, confirmed on Monday that the appeal was filed on the final day permitted by law.
Alves, 41, was initially sentenced in February 2024 to four-and-a-half years in prison for allegedly raping a young woman in the VIP restroom of a Barcelona nightclub on December 31, 2022.
However, a Barcelona appeals court overturned the verdict on March 28, citing contradictions in the trial and a lack of sufficient evidence to support the conviction.
Speaking to reporters, Garcia stated, “The appeal was lodged today, which was the last day it could be submitted.” She added, “For reasons of strategy, the reasons for which we are appealing will not be made public.”
The public prosecutor’s office in Catalonia had earlier announced plans to also appeal the court’s decision.
The ruling has sparked widespread outrage, especially among feminist groups and members of Spain’s government. A protest organized in Barcelona last week drew hundreds of demonstrators. Deputy Prime Minister Maria Jesus Montero criticized the decision, describing it as “a step backwards” and saying, “It was a shame the testimony of a rape victim is still being questioned.”
Dani Alves, who had been held in custody since his arrest in January 2023, was released in March 2024 after posting bail of one million euros ($1.1 million), pending the outcome of the appeal.
A celebrated right-back, Dani Alves enjoyed a decorated football career, winning multiple titles with top European clubs including Barcelona, Juventus, and Paris Saint-Germain, and earning 126 international caps with Brazil.
