At his own club
Ex-soccer star plans comeback at 42 years old
12/23/2025 – 10:42 amReading time: 1 min.
Dani Alves has won more than 40 titles in his career. He stopped almost three years ago. Is he coming back now?
Former soccer star Dani Alves is apparently planning a surprising comeback – at the age of 42. According to ESPN Brasil, the former FC Barcelona defender has bought the Portuguese third division club Sporting Clube de São João de Ver. And not only that: Alves is considering giving himself a six-month contract.
After his release from prison in March 2024, the Brazilian will be training regularly again and believes he can be fit to play in just 30 days. His last competitive game took place on January 8, 2023, back then for Pumas in Mexico. Shortly afterwards he was arrested in Barcelona on allegations of sexual assault. His club fired him and Alves was in custody for over a year.
A Spanish court later overturned the conviction on appeal. According to the judges, the evidence is not sufficient to exclude the presumption of innocence.
Since his release, Alves has been working in football again and wants to get his coaching license in the medium term. He is supported by Brazilian investors when he starts as a club owner.