After spending 14 months in prison, former Brazilian footballer Dani Alves was released on Monday afternoon after his R20-million bail was paid.
Alves, known for his time with Barcelona and other clubs, had to give up his Spanish and Brazilian passports as part of the bail conditions and must also report to the court weekly.
The 40-year-old is appealing his rape conviction.
Alves had remained in Brians 2 Prison near Barcelona following his conviction for the rape of a 23-year-old woman in a nightclub in December 2022.
Despite winning an appeal for house arrest, the delay in securing bail kept him jailed over the weekend.
Legal challenges have worsened Alvesā financial situation. His lawyer Ines Guardiola has revealed financial pressures due to legal seizures and blocked accounts in Brazil, Daily Mail reported.
Neymarās father denied paying the bail with reports suggesting Atletico Madrid striker Memphis Depay paid the amount.
The courtās decision to grant bail was not unanimous and has been criticised, especially by Alves’ ex-wife Dinorah Santana, who shared her disappointment on social media.
Despite the controversy, Alves, who has maintained the sex was consensual, will spend his limited freedom in his mansion near Barcelona.Ā
Compiled by staff writer
Pictured above: Dani Alves.
Image source: X
