Former Brazil soccer star Dani Alves, known worldwide for his football prowess, has been granted bail after serving 14 months of a four-and-a-half-year prison term for a rape conviction.

Alves, 40, a highly accomplished player, was found guilty last month of sexual assault for a young woman in a VIP bathroom at a Barcelona nightclub on December 31, 2022, according to The Guardian.

In a surprising development last week, a Barcelona court agreed to release him temporarily while he appeals his conviction.

However, he must meet strict conditions, including posting bail of €1 million, surrendering his Spanish and Brazilian passports, staying in the country, and reporting to court weekly.

Dani Alves remained in jail until Monday while his associates raised the bail money.

The court confirmed receipt of the funds on Monday, allowing his release from Brians 2 prison, located northwest of Barcelona.

He departed accompanied by his lawyer, Inés Guardiola, amid protests by prison staff overpaying and working conditions.

Alves had been incarcerated since his arrest in January 2023.

Despite previous unsuccessful attempts to obtain bail, concerns about him fleeing the country persist, as Brazil does not extradite its citizens sentenced abroad, according to prosecutors.

Coercion Alleged, Multiple Testimony Changes

During the trial in February, prosecutors alleged that Dani Alves and his friend bought champagne for three young women before Alves persuaded one to accompany him to a VIP bathroom, BBC reports.

Prosecutors claimed Alves turned violent, coercing the woman into sex despite her pleas to leave.

Alves argued she could have left willingly. However, the court ruled she did not consent. Spanish law now emphasizes consent under the "Only Yes is Yes" principle.

The court cited evidence beyond the victim's testimony supporting her rape claim. Alves forcefully grabbed and raped her, the court said, despite her protests.

The woman experienced anguish and terror, and her friend witnessed her uncontrollable crying after the sexual assault.

Alves changed his testimony multiple times, initially denying knowing the accuser and then alleging consensual activity.

A Stellar Career Spanning Clubs and Countries

Dani Alves, a highly decorated soccer player, has garnered numerous domestic titles across Spain, Italy, and France, CNN noted.

Notably, he clinched three Champions League titles with Barcelona in 2009, 2011, and 2015, along with Copa América victories for Brazil in 2007 and 2019.

Alves contributed significantly during his over 400 appearances for Barcelona, securing six league titles and three Champions Leagues across two stints with the club.

Additionally, he represented Brazil in the 2022 World Cup.

Dani Alves boasts an impressive trophy collection from his time at Sevilla, Juventus, and PSG.

As one of Brazil's most capped internationals, he has made 126 appearances for the national team.

His illustrious career highlights his exceptional talent and enduring success in both domestic and international competitions.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Ross Key

WATCH: Soccer star Dani Alves out on bail in Spain over rape case - From Associated Press