Dani Alves, 'disciple of Christ': his new life after leaving prison | OneFootball

Dani Alves is going through a completely different phase compared to when he was a global football star. At 42 years old and after spending fourteen months in prison due to a sexual assault accusation, the Brazilian has found a new way of life through faith. "Disciple of Christ Jesus," as he now describes himself on social media, the former Barcelona and Brazil national team defender appeared publicly at an evangelical congress in Girona and stated that his present "is a miracle from God."

The former footballer, who was acquitted by the High Court of Justice of Catalonia after inconsistencies were found in the evidence against him, reappeared last weekend as a special guest at the third youth congress of the Elim Church in the Spanish city. At that event, Alves was seen singing, praying, and sharing his testimony with the attendees: "You have to have faith, my brothers. I am proof of that. What God promises, God fulfills," he expressed with emotion.

During his speech, the former player recounted the moment he decided to turn to religion: "In the midst of the storm, a messenger of God appeared. He led me to the Church and the path, and today I am here thanks to them," he shared. He also revealed that during his time in prison, he made a spiritual pact: "I asked God to take care of my home and the hearts of those who would not abandon me. And I promised to serve Him."

Since his release, Alves has moved away from posts about football and luxurious living to share religious messages and biblical passages with his more than 30 million followers. His new life also includes reconciliation with his wife, model Joana Sanz, with whom he recently celebrated the birth of their first daughter through in vitro fertilization. The second most successful footballer in history — with 43 titles won — now seeks a different victory: spiritual peace.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.