Former Barcelona and Brazil defender Dani Alves has completed the takeover of Portuguese side Sporting Clube de São João de Ver and is weighing up a surprise return to competitive football with the club.
According to reports by ESPN, the 42-year-old is considering registering himself on a six-month playing contract as part of the new ownership arrangement. The club, based in the Aveiro District of central Portugal, competes outside the country’s top tiers and has a modest profile within Portuguese football.
Alves has not played professionally since January 2023, when his contract with Mexican side Pumas was terminated following his arrest in Spain over allegations of sexual assault. Earlier this year, a Spanish court overturned his conviction on appeal, ruling that there was insufficient evidence to dismiss his presumption of innocence.
The former right-back spent more than a year in custody between January 2023 and March 2024 before being released on bail of €1 million while awaiting the outcome of the appeal.
Since his release, Alves has remained involved in football away from the pitch, working behind the scenes in Europe, including in player representation. Sources say he has continued to train privately and believes he would need around 30 days to regain match fitness if he decides to play.
Alves’ last competitive appearance came on January 8, 2023, during a Liga MX fixture for Pumas. Reports indicate that a group of Brazilian investors backed the acquisition of Sporting Clube de São João de Ver, with Alves expected to take an active role in the club’s sporting direction as he also plans to pursue his coaching qualifications.
