Only Holy Crosses For Dani Alves From Now! Ex-Barcelona Star Finds Redemption Through Faith After Acquittal

Last Updated:October 28, 2025, 15:32 IST

Dani Alves, acquitted in 2025 after a legal battle, now preaches at Elim Evangelical Church in Girona, credits faith for his transformation and reconciles with Joana Sanz.

Dani Alves preaching the gospel in Girona (X)

Former Barcelona and Brazil star Dani Alves has found a new calling — one far removed from the bright lights of football.

Once celebrated for his flair on the pitch, the 42-year-old now takes the stage in a very different arena: preaching at the Elim Evangelical Church in Girona, where he shares testimony of how faith helped him rebuild his life.

Alves was acquitted on March 28, 2025, after a three-year legal battle and 14 months in prison over allegations of assault in a Barcelona nightclub.

Since his release, he has devoted himself to evangelical Christianity, describing his transformation as a pact with God.

“You have to have faith — I’m proof of that," Alves told a cheering congregation during a recent service. “At my lowest point, I said to God: I will serve you, but take care of my house."

The former Sevilla, Juventus and PSG defender has also reconciled with his partner Joana Sanz, with the couple recently announcing they are expecting a child: a new beginning that Alves credits to faith.

His newfound spirituality now defines his public image.

Alves’s Instagram bio reads “Disciple of Christ Jesus," and his feed is filled with Bible verses and messages of hope.

During a testimony that went viral online, Alves spoke about finding purpose in pain:

“I will serve you, but take care of my house," he says, was the agreement. The former Barça player repeatedly proclaimed “the power of God" and linked it to the birth of his son.

“Love is loving when one doesn’t deserve it," Alves continues, concluding that “in the midst of the storm", a messenger led him to the Church.

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...Read More

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...

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