Dani Alves’ brother, Ney, has criticised an internet prankster who spread false rumours that the former footballer had committed suicide in prison.
The prankster, Paulo Albuquerque, posted on social media that Alves had killed himself, leading to widespread panic among fans and media outlets.
Albuquerque later clarified that he was referring to a different person, his cousin Danielzinho, who had gone missing but was later found alive.
Ney Alves on Instagram Live expressed outrage at the prank, calling it “cruel” and questioning how someone could wish death upon his brother, who has already been convicted and sentenced to prison for a crime he maintains he did not commit.
“How much cruelty do humans have? He had already been convicted for the words of a woman who had entered the men’s bathroom to do what only he and she knew how to do. He has already been convicted. Isn’t that enough?” he asked.
He also clarified: “Now the crazy thing is that they want his death. They want to see my brother dead. But how cruel is this?
He emphasised the impact the prank had on their family, particularly their elderly parents.
Show me a better Right Back than Dani Alves in football history. here’s a comp of his best moments pic.twitter.com/dQwDqWE86p
— 气 Clinical Hojlund™ 👑气 (@rRasmusHojlundd) March 10, 2024
Dani Alves’ press advisor, Acaz Felleger, stated that they were considering taking legal action against Albuquerque for his posts.
Alves, a former Barcelona player, was sentenced to four and a half years in prison for rape, which he denies committing. His lawyer has confirmed that they will appeal the conviction and sentence.
The case has attracted significant attention in Spain and beyond, with many questioning the fairness of the trial and the severity of the sentence.