Dani Alves Returns to Action with a Six‑Month Portuguese Comeback
2 January 2026
Return to action in Portugal
A six-month contract could bring a Barcelona legend back to competitive football.
Dani Alves, the former Barcelona right-back and Brazil veteran, has joined Sporting Clube de São João de Ver, a club competing in Portugal's third division.
The 42-year-old Alves, who ended his career with Mexican side Pumas UNAM in January 2023, had his conviction overturned by a court of appeal in March 2025.
Alves, who also represented Sevilla, Juventus, and Paris Saint‑Germain, previously faced an initial ruling in February 2024 for a sexual assault charge at a Barcelona nightclub in December 2022.
Sporting Clube de São João de Ver posted a photo of president Carlos Branco shaking Alves's hand, calling the move more than a structural change in a club statement on Thursday.
The club’s release quoted Alves as bringing a global outlook, a winning mentality, and ambition, while the club would contribute its identity, community, and a history built on work and effort toward a larger, sustainable project.
The statement added that the move should boost confidence in the project, the people steering it, and the club’s long-standing values, with a clear commitment to sustainable growth and a future filled with passion.
According to ESPN, Alves has the support of a group of Brazilian investors eyeing control of the Aveiro-based club.
The club’s statement did not say whether he would play immediately, but sources have said he is considering a six-month contract to feature for the side.
São João de Ver competes in Portugal’s third division and has never appeared in the Primeira Liga; the club is based in the Aveiro district within the Porto metropolitan area, according to The Athletic.
Across a professional career spanning 1,035 club and international appearances, Alves has scored 75 goals.
He was released by Barcelona in March 2024 after his defense team posted a bail of one million euros (about $1.17 million), while awaiting the appeal of the initial ruling.
In March 2025, the High Court of Catalonia—comprising four judges—ruled that the initial ruling contained "misleading elements" before ultimately acquitting Alves; the player had denied the charges.
Punchline 1: If he scores a goal in Portugal, does that count as a ‘transfer’ or just another transfer of expectations? Punchline 2: At this rate, Alves might need a side gig as a tour guide—free from sin, and fully focused on sightseeing the top of the pitch.
