The woman who accused former Brazil and Barcelona football star Dani Alves of rape has filed an appeal to overturn a recent court ruling that cleared him of the charges.
Her lawyer, Ester Garcia, confirmed on Monday that the appeal was submitted on the final day allowed by law. She declined to share the specific reasons behind the appeal, saying it was a strategic decision.
Alves, 41, had been sentenced in February 2024 to four and a half years in prison after being found guilty of raping a young woman in a VIP bathroom at a Barcelona nightclub on December 31, 2022.
However, in March 2025, a Barcelona appeals court overturned the conviction, citing inconsistencies in the case and a lack of strong evidence.
The prosecutor’s office in Catalonia also announced last week that it would file its own appeal against the decision.
The ruling sparked public outrage across Spain. Hundreds protested in Barcelona, and several government officials criticized the outcome.
Deputy Prime Minister Maria Jesus Montero called the ruling "a step backwards," adding that it was “a shame” that a victim’s testimony is still being doubted.
Alves had been in custody from January 2023 until March 2024, when he was released on bail after paying €1 million.
A celebrated footballer, Alves played a key role in Barcelona’s most successful years, winning multiple league and Champions League titles. He also played for top clubs like Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain and earned 126 caps for Brazil.
