Former Brazil international footballer Dani Alves, currently serving a four-and-a-half-year sentence in Spain for rape, has requested release on bail during his appeal process, citing time served and assurance of remaining in Spain.

Former Brazil international footballer Dani Alves, currently serving a four-and-a-half-year sentence in Spain for a rape conviction, has petitioned for release on bail as his appeal process unfolds. In a closed-door hearing at a Barcelona court, Alves' legal team argued for his release, highlighting that he has already served a significant portion of his sentence while in pre-trial detention since January 2023.

During the hearing, Alves, appearing via videoconference from prison, pledged his commitment to abide by legal proceedings and assured the judges of his intent to remain in Spain. His defense proposed either posting a bail amount of 50,000 euros or surrendering his passports to ensure his presence in the country during the appeal process.

However, public prosecutors opposed Alves' request, citing concerns over potential flight risk. Despite being one of the world's most decorated footballers, with stints at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, Alves was convicted on February 22 for raping a young woman at a Barcelona nightclub in December 2022.

The victim, testifying behind a screen for anonymity, recounted the harrowing experience, stating that Alves had forcefully engaged in sexual activity despite her protests, causing her immense distress. Alves' defense had contended that there was mutual attraction between the two, but the court upheld the victim's testimony, emphasizing that consent cannot be assumed solely based on prior interactions.