Brazilian footballer Dani Alves has been taken into custody by police in Barcelona as part of an investigation into an alleged s*xual assault.
A Catalan regional police spokesperson confirmed to CNN on Friday that Alves was detained at a local police station and later transported to a court in Barcelona’s “City of Justice” for a scheduled appearance before a judge.
Alves, renowned for his extensive list of football achievements, was seen leaving the police station as a detainee. His legal representatives have yet to respond to CNN’s inquiries regarding the matter.
Earlier in the month, Alves’ spokesperson issued a statement to Reuters, categorically denying the allegations against him.
According to the Catalonia Higher Court of Justice, Alves is being investigated for an incident that allegedly occurred at a Barcelona nightclub last month.
In a video shared with Spanish channel Antena 3, Alves acknowledged his presence at the club but refuted the claims made against him.
“I want to deny everything,” Alves said in the video. “I was there with others, having a good time. I’m sorry, but I don’t know who this lady is.”
Throughout his illustrious career, Alves has secured numerous domestic titles across Spain, Italy, and France, as well as three Champions League trophies with Barcelona.
He has also won the Copa América with Brazil in 2007 and 2019. At 39, Alves became Brazil’s oldest World Cup player during the 2022 tournament in Qatar, where he played against Cameroon.