Former Barcelona and Brazil football star Dani Alves has declared that "Christ has set me free" following his release from prison after serving over a year for rape. The 43-year-old, once one of football's most decorated players, has now embarked on a new path as a Christian evangelist.

From Prison to Preaching

Alves was convicted of raping a woman in a Barcelona nightclub in 2022 but had his conviction overturned in March 2025. Since his acquittal, he has rekindled his relationship with long-term partner Joana Sanz and shifted his focus to spreading the word of God.

Christian Gathering in Madrid

Last Saturday, Alves took the stage at The Change Madrid 2026, one of Europe's largest contemporary Christian gatherings, held at Atletico Madrid's Metropolitano Stadium. Addressing an audience of 40,000, he shared his journey of faith and conversion.

Social Media and Evangelism

Since his release, Alves has been active on social media, frequently sharing Bible passages. His transformation from a celebrated footballer to a religious speaker has drawn significant attention, with many followers expressing support for his new mission.

In a tweet from Ataque Futbolero, Alves' speech at the Madrid event was highlighted, showcasing his new role as an evangelical preacher.