O Saint John of Ver issued a statement this Thursday announcing the entry of Dani Alves to the Liga 3 club, as co-owner of SAD, marking the return of the former Brazilian international to the world of football, after being accused of rape approximately three years ago.
The former right defender stopped playing football since then, when he was at Pumas, having seen his name being ‘dragged’ in court, until he was acquitted of the charge by the Superior Court of Justice of Catalonia, in March 2025.
Remember that Dani Alves had been sentenced to four and a half years in prison, but ended up escaping the sentence, and, according to information provided by the Brazilian press in recent weeks, there is the possibility of signing a short-term contract, until June 2026, as… footballer.
“Today, São João de Ver believes even more. It continues with the same soul, the same dedication and the renewed ambition to take the club’s name further, honoring its origins and writing, side by side, a story that aims to leave a legacy”, wrote the League 3 club, in a statement.
It is worth remembering that Dani Alves, trained in Bahia, stood out in Spain playing for Sevilla and Barcelona, before heading to Italy and France, where he represented Juventus and PSG, respectively. His return to Brazil took place through the doors of São Paulo and, after a new (and short) spell at Camp Nou, he joined Pumas, being, at this point, 42 years old.
Here is the statement in full:
“Today a new page begins in the history of Sporting Clube de São João de Ver. A page written with ambition, identity and vision of the future.
In a moment that will be marked in the club’s memory, we officially announced the entry of Daniel Alves as co-owner of SAD of SC São João de Ver. A name that carries one of the most successful trajectories in world football now crosses paths with a club with deep roots, made of work, resilience and passion. Two distinct stories that come together with a common purpose: transforming potential into greatness.
This union symbolizes more than a structural change. It represents the meeting between the experience of someone who conquered the world and the soul of a club that never stopped believing. Dani Alves brings a global vision, winning mentality and ambition. São João de Ver offers identity, community and a history built with effort and truth. Together, they transform what is already large into a larger, sustainable and inspiring project.
This is a turning point that reinforces confidence in the project, in the people who build it daily and in the values that have always defined the club. A clear commitment to sustained growth, to valuing its history and to building a solid, responsible and passionate future.
Here, the past inspires. The present unites. And the future is built with courage, work and vision.
Today, São João de Ver believes even more. It continues with the same soul, the same commitment and the renewed ambition to take the club’s name further, honoring its origins and writing, side by side, a story that aims to leave a legacy.”
[Notícia atualizada às 22h55]
