Former Barcelona star Dani Alves is set to make a shock return to football with report claiming he wants to purchase a Portuguese club and register himself as a player.
Alves made headlines in March 2025 when the former Brazil international saw a rape conviction overturned by a Spanish court. He is now set to start a fresh life and is considering a return to football in somewhat surprising surroundings.
According to ESPN, Alves has “finalised details to acquire Portuguese third division club Sporting Clube de Sao Joao de Ver”.
It is reported that the highly-decorated full-back – who once starred for the likes of Sevilla, Barca, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain – is poised to sign a six-month playing contract.
The veteran South American has not graced a competitive fixture since January 2023, with his deal at Mexican side Pumas UNAM terminated following his arrest on sexual assault charges.
Alves was jailed and held behind bars between January 20, 2023 and March 2024. He was released on bail after a €1 million bond was paid, as the result of an appeal was waited on.
Dani Alves drives his car, on 28 March, 2025 in Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. (Photo By David Zorrakino/Europa Press via Getty Images)
Catalunya’s High Court of Justice unanimously upheld his appeal, with it determined that there was “insufficient evidence” to rule out Alves’ presumption of innocence.
All restrictions on Alves, including a travel ban and restraining order, were lifted. His lawyer, Ines Guardiola, said at the time: “Alves is very happy. He is innocent, that is demonstrated. Justice has spoken.”
Following his release from prison, ESPN claim Alves has been working “behind the scenes in football, especially in Europe, as an agent, but always with the idea of returning to the pitch and eventually getting his coaching certificate”.
He has been working on an individual fitness programme and “believes he only needs 30 days to regain match fitness and be available for his new team”.
It’s left to be seen if he’ll embrace the new challenge in Portugal.
