Who is Dani Alves, Brazil football icon accused of sexual assault? He was part of Messi-led Barcelona golden generation

The news of former Brazil and FC Barcelona star Dani Alves’ arrest for alleged sexual assault shook the footballing world on Friday. Police arrested 39-year-old Alves in Spain after shocking allegations surfaced against him. The decorated footballer is accused of sexually assaulting a woman at a nightclub in Barcelona on New Years’ eve, December 31, 2022.

Dani Alves was one of the best right-backs of his time. He had one of the most successful careers in men’s football. Alves won every major title at club level with Barcelona, where he had his longest stint, filled with success alongside football great Lionel Messi.

He was part of Barcelona’s golden generation alongside Lionel Messi. Alves formed the core group of players at Barcelona with Messi, Andres Iniesta, Xavi, Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique. He had successful stints at Juventus in Italy and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in France after leaving Barcelona. Alves currently plays for Pumas club in Mexico. 

Alves will now go before a judge after his arrest who will decide on the charges against the footballer. In Spain where he is arrested, sexual assault charge has wide ranging meaning from unsolicited and unwanted sexual groping to rape. No detail on the case has been released by the police.