Soccer star Dani Alves was arrested in Spain on Friday for sexual assault, according to multiple reports.
The 39-year-old, who played for Mexican club Pumas UNAM and previously for Brazil internationally and various elite European clubs domestically, is accused of inappropriately touching a woman at a Barcelona nightclub in December.
A Spanish judge ordered Alves to be held without bail. Alves had returned to Spain from Mexico this week to face the charges and appeared in court on Friday after being taken into custody. The alleged victim testified Friday that Alves groped and raped her at the Sutton nightclub on Dec. 30, per ESPN. In Spain, a sexual assault charge can range from inappropriate touching to rape.
Puma’s UNAM parted ways with Alves after learning about the allegation.
“Club Universidad takes the decision to terminate the contract with Dani Alves for good cause,” team president Leopoldo Silva said in a statement. “This is an institution that encourages respect and correct, dignified and professional behavior from its male and female players on and off the pitch because they are role models in Mexico and around the world. We cannot allow behavior that would harm our philosophy.”
Dani Alves played for Brazil in three World Cup teams. AP
Dani Alves was part of Barcelona’s legendary teams in the 2010s. FC Barcelona via Getty Images
After showing up at Spanish club Sevilla, Alves played as a defender in Barcelona’s iconic teams from 2008 to 2016. He played a pivotal role as the team won the La Liga title six times and the Champions League title three times. He is considered one of the best right-backs of all time. With Brazil, Alves was a central figure in three World Cup teams in the second most appearances of all time for the nation.
After Barcelona, Alves played one season with Italian giants Juventus, where he won Serie A, and two seasons with French giants Paris Saint-Germain, where he won Ligue 1 twice. He then played for Sao Paulo in his native Brazil for three seasons before returning to Barcelona for a year. He then moved to PUMAS UNAM for the season.
Alves denies any wrongdoing.
Dani Alves last played for PUMAS UNAM. Getty Images
“First of all I want to deny everything,” Alves told Spanish TV channel Antena 3. “I was in this place with more people and I had a good time. Everyone knows that I like to dance. Having a good time but without invading other people’s space. I’m very sorry but I don’t know who this young lady is, I don’t know who she is, I’ve never seen her in my life.”
Alves remains in custody until the trial, which has not yet been scheduled.