Each new report from victims marks a turning point. Society begins to listen, to stand with them, and that support fuels a public shift in both courtrooms and streets. Impunity persists in some places, but the trend is changing outside the most insular circles of sport. In recent years, football players have faced allegations of sexual assault and violence, and this has underscored the need for safer reporting environments where victims feel protected, believed, and not ostracized.
Taking the step to report remains challenging. Yet convictions are rising, and survivors see their voices recognized in court. One judge notes this as a clear social thermometer of progress. Historically, footballers were rarely questioned; power often shielded them. The Nevenka case is cited as a turning point illustrating how silence faded when power clashed with accountability. As social change and feminist movements advance, standing up to those in power becomes less daunting for many, according to the judge.
Dani Alves Case
In the early hours of January 30-31 last year, a former FC Barcelona and Brazil national team player, Daniel Alves, faced allegations of raping a 23-year-old woman at a Barcelona nightclub. A few days later, Alves was remanded in custody. The legal process moved quickly, and the former star was scheduled to stand trial in February.
A government award in 2022 acknowledged the impact of such cases on public awareness and action. The judge overseeing gender violence notes that high-profile cases create a domino effect, encouraging women who have endured violence to recognize themselves as victims and to understand the steps required to file a complaint and pursue legal action. The judge emphasizes a mirror effect that helps people see a possible path when considering whether to report, while acknowledging that celebrities may face unique hurdles in coming forward.
Robinho Case
An allegation circulated that Robson de Souza, known as Robinho, assaulted a 23-year-old woman in a Milan nightclub along with four friends. The Italian Supreme Court issued a final ruling in January 2022, confirming a nine-year sentence issued years earlier for a gang rape that took place in January 2013. Seated outside of prison, Robinho has not served time in connection with that verdict, as he remains in Brazil.
The broader impact of the Alves case and related investigations has been examined in journalistic projects such as the podcast On Offside, which traces the downfall of a sports figure once celebrated. Experts point out that all cases presented to courts are evaluated with consistency, though certain circumstances—like cases involving gender-based violence or those requiring urgent detention—may receive priority. The criteria emphasize the seriousness of the charge, the status of the accused, and the potential risk to victims.
Some observers remark that long-standing stereotypes—such as the notion that the strong man always tells the truth or that victims seek easy compensation—are repeatedly challenged by courts and journalists alike.
Joel Domínguez Case
An 18-year-old football player received a sentence of 40 days of community service, a one-year restraining order prohibiting contact with the complainant, and a two-year ban on possessing weapons. The incident occurred in June 2023 in the Tamaraceite area, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, where the accused was located. He remained in custody until appearing before a judge. During the hearing, the victim declined to report or undergo a forensic examination, but three witnesses, including an undercover officer, testified. The sentence followed a joint agreement, with the club’s president publicly supporting the decision as a way to address a mistake by a young player.
Immunity on the Fields
While a broad social movement supports victims in public spaces, some venues have not yet fully embraced accountability. Football fields, in particular, have been described as zones where immunity persists. Advocates urge institutions to respond with consistency and responsibility. The debate intensified after a prominent case involving a federation figure, highlighting the need for clear, decisive actions against sexual and gender-based violence. Building social coherence requires alignment among clubs, leagues, and governing bodies to ensure safety and justice on and off the pitch.”— a quote attributed to a leading judge who stresses institutional accountability.
Santi Mina Case
The Andalusian Supreme Court sentenced a 27-year-old football player to four years in prison for sexually abusing a woman in Mojácar, Almería. The abuse occurred in a van outside a nightclub, and the ruling confirmed the complainant’s narrative with a lack of contradictions in essential aspects. The decision underscores that the treatment of players by sports organizations must reflect the seriousness of the alleged crimes and avoid normalizing behavior that harms others.
When sports bodies tolerate or retain players accused or convicted of sexual violence, they send a dangerous message about what is acceptable. Observers argue that such tolerance feeds a cycle of harm for generations and lowers the bar for public expectations of conduct. The judge notes that young fans often idolize these figures, complicating accountability and repair for victims.
Arandina Case
Two former Arandina players were convicted in 2017 of sexual assault involving a minor under 15. They received nine-year prison sentences. In December 2019, the Burgos Court sentenced three former players to a combined 38 years for sexual assault of a minor on November 24, 2017. Upon review, the Superior Court of Castilla y León acquitted one defendant and reduced the sentences of the others, citing a lack of intimidation and classifying the acts as sexual abuse rather than assault. The outcomes illustrate how legal processes can evolve, influencing public perception of accountability within the sport.