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In a significant development, former Barcelona player Dani Alves has been stripped of his legendary player status at the club after being found guilty of sexual assault.
The verdict, handed down on February 22, sentenced Alves to four years and six months in prison for the rape of a 23-year-old woman in a Barcelona nightclub in December 2022. Additionally, he was ordered to pay €9,000 (£7,700) for physical damage to the victim. Alves has denied any wrongdoing, and his lawyer, Inés Guardiola, has stated their intention to appeal the verdict.
Barcelona has responded to the court’s decision by removing Alves from their official list of club legends, as reported by Diario AS. This list, which includes esteemed figures like club founder Joan Gamper and Lionel Messi, serves as a testament to the club’s illustrious history. Notably, Alves’ name no longer appears among the 102 players recognized as legends on the club’s official website.
The ramifications of Alves’ conviction reverberate beyond his status at Barcelona. The Brazilian defender enjoyed a storied career, making 408 appearances for Barcelona across two spells and winning six league titles and three Champions League trophies, among other honors. His contributions to the club’s success were significant, but his legacy now faces tarnishment due to the serious nature of the charges against him.
Alves’ journey in football saw him represent esteemed clubs such as Sevilla, Juventus, and Paris Saint-Germain, in addition to his exploits with the Brazilian national team, earning 126 caps. However, his career trajectory took a dark turn following his arrest in January 2023 while playing for Mexican club PUMAS, leading to the termination of his contract.
