By Natalia Rueda 
Brazilian footballer Dani Alves, 40, has been granted momentary respite in his legal battle over a four-and-a-half-year jail sentence for rape. The Barcelona Court of Appeal has granted his release on bail, provided he pays one million euros and surrenders his passports while the appeal process is underway.
Alves, who has always maintained his innocence from the beginning of the trial, assured the court that he would not flee. However, the prosecution argued that his status as a famous and wealthy athlete made him a flight risk. Despite this, the court clarified that the purpose of pre-trial detention is not to advance the effects of a possible conviction, but to ensure the defendant’s appearance in court. With this explanation, the decision was made to grant his release on bail.
This news has been met with controversy and divided opinions. While some believe in Alves’ innocence and celebrate his release, others question the decision to grant bail to a man convicted of rape. The debate over his guilt continues to rage, while his fate remains in the hands of the court considering his appeal.
In the midst of all this, Alves has turned to another soccer star, Neymar’s father, to pay the €1 million needed for his release. This sum would be in addition to the €150,000 Alves had already received as mitigating compensation for the damage caused, which helped reduce his sentence.
As he awaits the outcome of his appeal, Alves’ reputation and career remain at stake. The court’s final decision will determine his fate and will be key in determining his guilt or innocence in this highly controversial case.