Dani Alves Returns To Football! Ex-Barcelona Star Becomes Co-Owner Of Portuguese Third-Tier Club

Last Updated:January 02, 2026, 17:31 IST

Dani Alves becomes co-owner of Sporting Clube São João de Ver, acquiring 50 percent shares and possibly returning to play.

Dani Alves has become a co-owner of SC São João de Ver (X)

Dani Alves is back in football. Not on the pitch just yet, but in the boardroom.

The former Barcelona and Brazil right-back has invested in Portuguese third-division side Sporting Clube São João de Ver, the club confirmed in an official statement. Calling it a “historic moment," São João de Ver announced Alves’ arrival as co-owner of the club’s SAD.

According to Portuguese outlet MaisFutebol, the 42-year-old has acquired 50% of the club’s shares, with an agreement in place to purchase the remaining stake at the end of the current season. The report also claims Alves could make a surprise return to playing action for the club over the next six months.

Founded in 1929 and based in Santa Maria da Feira in northern Portugal, São João de Ver compete in the country’s third tier and are now set for a dramatic new chapter under one of football’s most decorated full-backs.

Alves, a three-time Champions League winner, has not played professionally since January 2023, when Mexican side Pumas terminated his contract following legal proceedings in Spain. He was later sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison in February 2024 over an incident in Barcelona, but that conviction was overturned on appeal in March 2025.

The appeals court cited inconsistencies and insufficient evidence, a ruling that sparked widespread controversy and backlash from feminist groups and political figures in Spain. Alves had always maintained the encounter was consensual.

After spending over a year in custody, Alves was released on bail in March 2024 and has since remained out of football — until now.

(with AFP inputs)

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