From the top of the world to prison for rape, Dani Alves’ footballer life has been rich in emotions of all kinds.
Dani Alves’ journey
Born on May 6, 1983 in Juazeiro, Brazil, Dani Alves began his ascent to glory with the Brazilian club EC Bahia in 2001. Quickly, his talent attracted attention, propelling him to Europe with a transfer to Sevilla FC in 2002.
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The years at Sevilla FC were the prelude to a phenomenal career. Alves won the UEFA Cup twice (2006, 2007), etching his name in the history of Spanish football. But it was his time at FC Barcelona in 2008 that truly revealed him to the world. With 23 trophies, including 6 La Liga titles and 3 Champions Leagues, Alves was the spearhead of a legendary team, embodying the definition of a world-class right-back.
In 2016, a turning point occurred with Alves’ departure from FC Barcelona. A global odyssey began for him, leading him to Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain, São Paulo, before a brief return to FC Barcelona, and ultimately finishing his career at Club Universidad Nacional in Mexico (UNAM).
The Brazilian continued to collect honors even with the national team, winning the Copa America in 2019 and the gold at the 2020 Olympic Games.
Impressive statistics
Alves’ statistics match his fame. On the international stage, with 127 caps for the national team, 8 goals scored, and a total of 43 club trophies, he was long the most decorated player in the world before Lionel Messi surpassed him, also setting impressive records such as the most assists in Champions League history (42).
Throughout his career, he played a total of 869 club matches, scoring 61 goals and providing 178 assists.
Dani Alves’ glorious trajectory took a turn in January 2023. Accused of sexual assault in Spain, Alves was arrested, imprisoned, and recently sentenced to four and a half years in prison. The abrupt fall of a football legend once acclaimed on fields worldwide.
