Convicted rapist Dani Alves 'planning shock return to football' after being released on bail

Disgraced former Barcelona and Brazil footballer Dani Alves is reportedly planning a return to professional football despite his conviction for rape.

Alves, 40, was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison in February after being found guilty of raping a woman in a Spanish nightclub in 2022.

The former Barcelona defender was also ordered to pay €150,000 euros (£128,000) to the victim after being found guilty by a court in Spain.

Alves has spent just four weeks of his sentence behind bars after paying £850,000 to be released on bail.

He hopes to be acquitted following an appeal and restore his public image, according to Spanish publication El Pais (via The Sun).

It is also claimed the former Brazil international intends to return to professional football if his appeal is successful.

Spanish journalist Jesus Garcia Bueno claims that Alves doesn't expect to return as a player on the field itself, but could seek a non-playing role.

SPORTbible has contacted Alves' representatives for comment.

Dani Alves was convicted of rape in February (Image: Getty)

Both Alves' defence lawyer and the state prosecutor have appealed the conviction.

His defence is seeking his acquittal while the state prosecutor and the victim's lawyer, Ester Garcia, wants his prison sentence increased.

"This sends the message that there is justice for the rich, and even if there is a conviction, if you pay bail there are no criminal consequences," Garcia said last month.

"This is a very dangerous message for society," she added, saying her client was "very outraged, very despondent and very frustrated".

Alves played 247 games for Barcelona from 2008 to 2016 and is one of the most decorated players in club football history, having won six La Liga titles and the Champions League three times during his spell at the Nou Camp.

He also played for Brazil from 2006 to 2022 and is the country's third most-capped player with 126 international appearances.