Dani Alves: Ex-Barcelona defender slapped with 4 and a half year jail term after being found guilty of Rape

In a stunning turn of events, former Barcelona and Brazil footballer Dani Alves has been convicted of rape by a court in Spain.

The verdict, delivered on Thursday, February 22, has sent shockwaves through the sporting world and beyond.

Alves, who had been in Brians II prison since January 2023 following allegations of rape, has been sentenced to four and a half years behind bars.

The court's decision not only found Alves guilty of rape but also imposed additional penalties. In addition to the prison sentence, Alves has been ordered to compensate the victim with a payment of $163,000 (€150,000).

Furthermore, Alves has been slapped with a nine and a half year restraining order, prohibiting any contact with the victim upon his release.

Even after completing his prison term, Alves will be required to serve five years' worth of probation.

Pulse Sports earlier reported that the incident took place in the early hours of December 31, 2022, within the VIP section of Barcelona's Sutton nightclub.

The court concluded that the victim did not consent to sexual intercourse, affirming the accusations against Alves.

Despite the footballer's stature and several claims of consent from the player, the court ruled against his favour having been forced to change his statement at least four times.