Neymar Jr.’s father, Neymar da Silva Santos Sr., declared on Thursday that his family will not provide the €1 million ($1.1 million) necessary to secure the release of Dani Alves from a Spanish detention facility. Alves, the former Brazilian footballer, is currently awaiting the outcome of an appeal against his conviction for sexual assault.
In a formal statement representing his family, Neymar da Silva Santos Sr. acknowledged their past financial support for Alves during his trial but emphasized their decision not to extend further assistance, given Alves’ guilty verdict for sexually assaulting a woman at a Barcelona nightclub in 2022.
“Our involvement in this matter concludes with this decision. There are no further considerations,” stated Neymar da Silva Santos Sr.
Alves, aged 40, received a prison sentence of four years and six months and is presently detained outside Barcelona. The exact amount of financial assistance provided by Neymar’s family was not disclosed; however, Neymar’s father underscored that the circumstances have shifted following the unfavorable ruling by the Barcelona Provincial Court.
“In light of the court’s conviction, there have been unwarranted attempts to associate my name and my son’s with a matter that no longer concerns us,” expressed Neymar’s father in the family’s official communication.
He expressed hopes that Alves would find resolution within his own familial support system.
Alves’ sentence falls near the lower end of the spectrum for rape convictions, with Spanish law prescribing penalties ranging from four to twelve years for such offenses. The court noted favorably Alves’ pre-trial payment of €150,000 to be allocated to the victim without conditions.
Neymar Jr. and Alves shared professional stints at Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and the Brazilian national team. Neymar currently plays for Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia.
Alves, maintaining his innocence, has remained in custody since his arrest in January 2023. Previous appeals for bail were denied on the grounds of flight risk, and should bail be granted, Alves would be required to surrender both his Brazilian and Spanish passports, with travel outside Spain prohibited. He retains a residence near Barcelona.
Alves boasts an illustrious career with numerous titles earned at elite clubs, including Barcelona, and significant achievements with the Brazilian national team, including two Copa America victories and an Olympic gold medal.
The Brazilian Football Confederation has refrained from commenting on Alves’ case, with delegation head Leila Pereira highlighting the issue’s neglect during Brazil’s ongoing European friendlies.
Pereira, chairwoman of Palmeiras, emphasized the importance of addressing cases involving Alves and Robinho, the latter of whom is serving a sentence for rape in Brazil after a recent judicial decision.
Brazil’s President, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, criticized the Spanish court’s bail decision for Alves, denouncing it as an affront to justice and dignity. Lula had previously advocated for Robinho to serve his sentence in Brazil.
Both Alves and Robinho are vocal supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro.