False Death Rumours of Dani Alves Spread Online, Brother Blasts Prankster

False rumours circulated on social media suggesting that former footballer Dani Alves had taken his own life while in prison, sparking widespread concern and prompting a swift response from his brother.

The baseless claim originated from a Brazilian alleged journalist named Paulo Albuquerque, leading to Alves becoming a top trend on social media platforms in Spain.

Alves’ brother, Ney Alves, took to social media to dispel the fake news, expressing disbelief at the cruelty of spreading such misinformation.

The footballer had been sentenced to four and a half years in prison in Spain after being found guilty of raping a woman in a Barcelona nightclub.

Ney Alves vehemently defended his brother’s innocence, emphasizing that Dani had already been convicted based solely on the testimony of the accuser.

Albuquerque, who sparked the false rumours, later clarified that he was referring to a cousin, Danielzinho, and not Dani Alves in his posts.

Alves, a prominent figure during his time at Barcelona under Pep Guardiola, has been in the spotlight following his legal troubles.

The footballer’s wife, Joana Sanz, a model, has refrained from commenting on the recent online stir caused by the hoax.

After spending over a year in remand at Brians 2 Prison, Alves protested his innocence during his trial, firmly claiming that the encounter in question was consensual.

Alves’ lawyer has confirmed plans to appeal his conviction and sentence, with state prosecutors seeking a nine-year jail term and the victim’s lawyer demanding a 12-year sentence.

The case is now set for further legal proceedings, as higher court judges are expected to review the appeal and potentially issue a revised sentence.