Dani Alves, once celebrated as one of football’s most decorated players, has stunned fans with his dramatic transformation from football icon to church preacher.
The 42-year-old Brazilian was seen leading a service at the Elim Girona Church in Spain, where he declared that he has “made a pact with God,” marking a powerful new chapter in his post-football life.
Dani Alves embraces new life as a preacher
Alves’ spiritual journey comes after one of the most turbulent periods of his life.
The former Barcelona right-back, accused of assaulting a woman in a nightclub in 2022, endured 14 months in pretrial detention before being sentenced to four and a half years in prison in February 2024, per ESPN.
However, just a month later, the High Court of Catalonia overturned his conviction, citing inconsistencies in the evidence — a decision that marked the end of a harrowing legal battle and the beginning of his redemption story.
Since his release, Alves has found solace in faith. The football legend has reconnected with his partner, Joana Sanz, welcomed the birth of their first child, and filled his social media pages with Bible verses and Christian hymns. His Instagram bio now simply reads: “Disciple of Jesus Christ.”
Alves explains his new life in Christ
In a video shared widely online, Alves was seen addressing a packed congregation, holding a microphone and speaking passionately about faith and transformation.
“You have to take the things of God seriously and you have to have faith. I am proof of that. I made a pact with God,” he told parishioners, his voice steady yet emotional, as cited by GOAL.
He went on to reflect on how faith became his lifeline during his darkest days:
“In the midst of turbulence, in the midst of a storm, there is always a messenger of God. And that messenger, in the worst moment of my life, picked me up, took me to the Church for the journey, and today I am on the journey thanks to them.”
Has Dani Alves retired from football?
Since hanging up his boots in January 2023 after leaving Mexican club Pumas UNAM, Alves has immersed himself in church life.
Reports from local media in Girona reveal that he regularly attends services, often seen playing the guitar and joining in hymns during worship sessions.
His calm demeanor and renewed focus have inspired many, with fans praising his courage to embrace faith after such a public and painful fall from grace.
For Dani Alves, the stage has changed — from roaring stadiums to quiet sanctuaries — but the passion remains the same. This time, however, it’s not about winning trophies, but about finding peace, purpose, and a new kind of victory: redemption.