"Even if Alves receives a prison sentence, it's very good news that his wife is pregnant."

CNN reported on March 29 (Korea time) that "Dani Alves, who played for Barcelona, overturned the guilty verdict for rape in the Spanish court of appeals. He won the appeal."

Born in 1983, Alves is one of the greatest right-backs in football history. He played for several big clubs, including Barcelona, Juventus, and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), and lifted an astonishing 43 trophies. This was the highest number of titles in football history until Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) achieved his 44th title.

His time at Barcelona was particularly peak. From the 2008-2009 season to the 2015-2016 season, Alves achieved 6 La Liga titles and 3 UEFA Champions League (UCL) titles while playing for Barcelona. He has also won the Copa America twice with the Brazil national team.

His individual awards are also impressive. Alves captivated fans with his explosive attacking power and quick speed, winning numerous accolades, including being selected for the FIFA FIFPro World Best 11 eight times, the UEFA Team of the Year five times, and La Liga's Best Defender.

However, Alves was identified as a sex offender later in his career, facing the risk of falling from a legendary football player to a criminal. He was arrested on December 30, 2022, for allegedly raping a woman in her 20s at a Barcelona club. The victim filed a complaint three days later, and despite denying the allegations, he was immediately detained.

The situation turned unfavorable for Alves. Even after his detention, he continued to change his statements. Initially, he denied any contact with the victim, but later claimed that "he was the victim" and that "it was consensual sex," changing his story in succession. Additionally, traces of Alves' bodily fluids were discovered.

In November 2023, the Barcelona prosecutors requested a 9-year prison sentence during the trial. The Spanish court also recognized Alves' guilt. In February, the court sentenced him to 4 years and 6 months in prison.

Ultimately, Alves had to serve approximately one year in detention and continued legal battles after being released on bail. He claimed that the sexual relationship with the woman was consensual. During this time, it has been reported that Neymar provided financial support.

Two years and three months after the incident occurred, Alves was declared not guilty. Spanish "Cadena Ser" reported that "the Catalonia High Court's appeal panel acquitted Alves. The 4-year and 6-month prison sentence has been canceled," stating that "the court found the victim's testimony alone insufficient to prove Alves' guilt. It also concluded that the principle of presumption of innocence should take precedence."

The media also mentioned that "the Barcelona court noted 'discrepancies' in the victim's testimony. She said Alves took her to the bathroom, but the court, upon analyzing CCTV, concluded that there was a prior agreement between the two. Nevertheless, the Barcelona court determined that these discrepancies did not negate Alves' sexual assault nor were they conclusive evidence."

However, the judgment of the Catalonia High Court's appeal panel was different. According to Cadena Ser, they viewed that the victim's testimony was insufficient to overturn the principle of presumption of innocence. The panel, composed of 3 female judges and 1 male judge, raised questions about the credibility of the victim's early testimony, claiming it did not match the video evidence.

Moreover, since there were no cameras or witnesses inside the restroom, they pointed out that the victim's credibility was lacking, making it impossible to prove Alves' guilt based solely on her words. After finally receiving a not guilty verdict, Alves had a contemplative expression. Even though he has been somewhat relieved from injustice, he has lost so much.

Alves paid a bail amounting to 1.1 million euros (approximately 17.5 billion won) and also divorced his wife. Additionally, he was expelled from the team he was with and removed from the list of Barcelona legends, losing all honor. Alves has not yet completely been exonerated. The opposing party could appeal to the Supreme Court of Spain in Madrid.

The court also mentioned that this ruling does not imply that the events of that night are judged as a 'genuine hypothesis,' and it is merely a result of insufficient evidence. However, unless conclusive evidence emerges, it seems unlikely that Alves will be convicted again.

Ines Guardiola, Alves' lawyer, said in an interview with 'RAC1 Radio,' "Alves is very happy. It has been proven that he is not guilty. Justice has been served."

After overcoming the difficult lawsuit and being released not guilty, Alves received more good news. Alves' wife, Joana Sanz, announced her pregnancy on social media. Sanz said, "I successfully got pregnant through in vitro fertilization. After two previous attempts and three miscarriages, this pregnancy is a great joy."

It has not been exactly disclosed who the father of the child Sanz is pregnant with. However, most presume Alves to be the father. Brazil's UOL emphasized, "Even when Alves was sentenced to prison for rape, the two maintained their marriage. Therefore, Alves is likely to be the father," noting that "from Alves' perspective, in addition to the not guilty verdict, a new joyful event has occurred."

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