Former Barcelona star Dani Alves says he was happier earning €113 in prison than the millions he made during his trophy-laden football career, saying faith gave him a new sense of purpose.

The former Brazil international made the statement during a church service in Guatemala. He now preaches regularly and shares his Christian faith following his release from prison in Spain.

Speaking about the contrast between fame and prison life, Alves said: “I was earning millions of euros, thanks to God and to football, but in prison, earning €113, I was happier than when earning millions. Before, I was playing football, and now I was in prison cleaning the house, but I had my father [God] with me.”

Spanish authorities arrested Alves in January 2023 over allegations of sexual assault at a Barcelona nightclub. He spent 14 months in preventive detention.

A court convicted him in February 2024 and handed him a four-and-a-half-year prison sentence. He later secured his release in March 2024 after paying a one-million-euro bail.

In March 2025, Spain’s Superior Court of Justice of Catalonia overturned the conviction, citing insufficient evidence.

Since then, Alves has focused on ministry and religious outreach. He has also stayed away from professional football.

Alves remains one of the most decorated players in football history. He won more than 40 major trophies, including several UEFA Champions League and La Liga titles with Barcelona.

He also represented Brazil at two FIFA World Cups and lifted the Copa America trophy.

His football career effectively ended during the legal battle that followed his time at Mexican club Pumas. Today, he says, faith, rather than fame or money, gives him happiness and direction.