World
number one and five-time world champions Brazil have arrived in Qatar for the 2022
FIFA World Cup with a combination of youth and experience. The side has
mercurial attacking young players like Vinicius Jr, Richarlison but
can also boast of the presence of Dani Alves in its midst, one of the oldest
and highly experienced full-backs in the event. Despite their loss to Cameroon, Brazil advanced to the round of
16 after winning their first two matches and will face South Korea in the round
of 16.
Who is Dani
Alves?
Daniel Alves popularly called Dani Alves is a 39-year-old Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a defender. He was born on
May 6, 1983, in Juazeiro, Brazil. He was born to the couple Domingos Alves de
Silva and Dona Lucia. Alves began playing professional football for Bahia in
2001 before moving on to European clubs.
Also read: Pele health updates: Brazil football legend hospitalized with heart problem
He made his
international debut for Brazil on October 7 2006 in a friendly against
Al-Kuwait selection aged 23. He represented Spanish side Sevilla from 2003-08
before moving on to Spanish giants Barcelona. Alves played for Barca for eight
years from 2008-16. In a terrific career for the Spanish giants, Alves
alongside Messi, Iniesta, Xavi, and others became a part of the historic
Barcelona team that won two sets of La Liga, the Champions League, and a domestic cup
in the same season. After playing for Serie A’s Juventus and France’s PSG,
Alves returned to Barcelona in 2021 and left after a year.
Also read: FIFA World Cup 2022: Cameroon becomes first African nation ever to beat Brazil in tournament
Alves’
football is characterized by his speed and movement and is rightly regarded as
one of the best in the business in the defence area. His athletic persona may
be attributed to the rigours of life his humble village background exposed him
to. The ongoing World Cup is his third. Alves is politically outspoken and an avid follower of right-wing politician
and Brazilian president Jair Bolsanaro.
Also read: Watch: Brazil fans fly ‘Pele get well soon’ flag during FIFA World Cup 2022 match vs Cameroon
He married Dinora Santana in 2008 and divorced her three years
later. He then married Joana Sanz in 2017.
