Dani Alves is on the brink of a comeback after completing a surprising acquisition. The 42-year-old is nearing the acquisition of Sporting Clube de São João de Ver, a team in Portugal's third division.
What happened to Dani Alves' career?
Dani Alves faced various legal challenges that distanced him from soccer in 2023, while playing for Pumas UNAM of Liga MX. He was accused of sexual assault at the Sutton nightclub in Barcelona and was arrested in January 2023 without bail.
Why the comeback?
After resolving his legal conflicts in March 2025, Dani Alves decided to become an evangelical preacher at the Elim Church in Girona, Spain. Having stayed away from professional soccer for two years, his possible return surprised fans who thought his career was already a closed chapter.
What's next for Dani Alves?
The Brazilian could be looking for a last step to close his career as a player since his time at Pumas UNAM was abruptly cut short. With this move, Dani Alves is considering playing with the roster for just six months, marking the final chapter of his professional career and joining the ranks of soccer team owners.
Dani Alves of Brazil attempts a shot on goal during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. The veteran Brazilian is determined to chase a proper closure on his tenure and propel Sporting Clube de São João de Ver to the Primeira Liga in Portugal for the first time in their history.
Other soccer stars who own teams
While most former players often transition into roles as coaches or executives within soccer clubs, some choose to break away from the traditional path entirely. David Beckham made headlines when he became a co-owner of Inter Miami in 2018. Similarly, Gerard Piqué, through his company Kosmos Sports, purchased Andorra FC.
The Brazilian could be looking to impose greater competitiveness in São João de Ver, as they have only three titles in their 96-year history, the last one being the Taça AF Aveiro in 2019. After several months, the Brazilian was sentenced in February 2024 to four years and six months in prison, along with five years of supervised release and the payment of €150,000.
Dani Alves decided to pay bail of €1 million to leave prison, and the High Court of Justice of Catalonia (TSJC) decided to acquit him of the charge of sexual assault in April-May of 2025 due to alleged “gaps, inaccuracies, inconsistencies, and contradictions regarding the facts,” according to BBC. While this decision was appealed before the Supreme Court, no ruling has yet been reported in the case.
The possible return of Dani Alves to professional soccer has surprised fans, and his acquisition of Sporting Clube de São João de Ver is seen as a last step to close his career as a player. The 42-year-old is determined to make the most of this opportunity and leave a lasting legacy in the soccer world.