Former Barcelona and Brazil footballer Dani Alves is set to go on trial in Barcelona on Monday regarding allegations of sexually assaulting a woman in a nightclub bathroom in 2022.
The ex-full-back, who has been in prison since his arrest in January last year, initially denied any encounter with the woman, whom he claimed not to know.
Alves later admitted to consensual sex, stating that he initially denied it to protect his marriage.
The case, drawing attention due to Alves’ profile, unfolds against the backdrop of heightened awareness of sexual assault issues in Spain.
The Spanish public prosecutor is seeking a nine-year prison term and damages of 150,000 euros ($163,215.00) for the woman. The trial, expected to last three days, will include testimony from Alves, the alleged victim, and around 30 other individuals.
The alleged victim’s identity will be protected from voice and image distortion during the trial recording.
Alves, known for his success with Barcelona and Brazil, was terminated by Mexico’s Pumas UNAM following his arrest.