Dani Alves Becomes Pastor After Being Cleared of Assault Charges
- Barcelona defender Dani Alves has embraced life as an evangelical preacher after claiming he made a pact with God
- The former Brazil international was previously convicted of a non-consensual act before being acquitted by a superior court
- Alves, 42, spent more than a year behind bars, a turbulent chapter that ended his football career, cost him major sponsorships, and almost ruined his marriage
Former Barcelona defender Dani Alves has embarked on a completely new path in life, months after his assault conviction was overturned.
Alves, who made 408 appearances for the Blaugrana over two spells and also featured for Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain, was previously found guilty of misconduct involving a woman at a Barcelona nightclub in 2022.
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At the time of his arrest, he was playing for Pumas UNAM in Mexico, but his contract was swiftly terminated, and he was sentenced to four and a half years in prison in February 2024.
However, a month later, the Brazilian international was released on bail after filing an appeal that led to a review by a higher court, according to the BBC.
The Superior Court of Justice of Catalonia ruled that the original case contained “a series of gaps, inaccuracies, inconsistencies, and contradictions regarding the facts,” leading to his conviction being overturned.
Having spent 14 months behind bars, Alves’ lawyer, Ines Guardiola, told RAC1 radio that “justice has spoken.”
Now 42, Alves has had his travel restrictions and restraining order lifted and has begun a new life as a preacher.
He now says he has found God, months after winning his appeal.
His Instagram bio now reads “Disciple of Jesus Christ,” and he regularly shares Bible verses with his more than 30 million followers.
Recently, he attended the third youth congress of the Elim Church in Girona Catalonia, where footage captured him singing, praying, and preaching with great emotion.
In a viral video from the event, Alves passionately addresses a lively congregation, speaking about his spiritual rebirth and the strength of his renewed faith.
Taking the stage, he encouraged attendees to “have faith in God,” saying he was “proof of it,” and added, “In the midst of the storm, a messenger of God appeared. He led me to the Church and the path, and today I am here thanks to them.”
"You have to have faith; I'm proof of that," Alves told the congregation, as related by Ara.cat.
"I will serve you, but take care of my house," he says was his agreement with God. He spoke of "the power of God" and linked it to the birth of his son. "Love is loving when one doesn't deserve it," Alves continued. He concluded, saying, "In the midst of the storm,” a messenger led him to the church.
Reflecting on his time in prison, he said, “I asked God to take care of my home and the hearts of those who wouldn’t abandon me. And I promised to serve him.”
During his legal troubles, Alves separated from his wife, Joana Sanz, but the couple have since reconciled and are living together again in their home in Esplugues de Llobregat.
Joana recently gave birth to their first child through IVF, announcing her pregnancy just days after the court’s decision and later appearing with Alves in a family photoshoot.
The former Brazil international, however, has not publicly commented on becoming a father on his social media platforms.
Source: YEN.com.gh
