Dani Alves: Mixed Reactions After Fans Learned Memphis Depay Paid for Ex Barca Star’s Bail From Jail

• Memphis Depay reportedly covered Dani Alves' bail from jail
• It is believed that the former Barcelona star paid €1 million
• However, his gesture has been met with mixed fan reactions

Football fans around the world are divided following reports suggesting that Memphis Depay footed Dani Alves' €1 million bail bond.

Alves, the former Barcelona and Brazil star, was recently sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison for 'forcing himself into' a woman at a nightclub in Catalonia back in 2022.

He has been in custody since January 2023, but on Monday, March 25, he was released after posting bail.

Who paid Dani Alves' bail?

Given Alves' financial situation, it was unclear how he would manage the bond, leading to speculation about who might have assisted him.

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Initially, there were rumours that Neymar's father had provided the funds, but this was later denied.

According to journalist Mabhut Al-Narri, it was actually Depay, a forward at Atletico Madrid and former teammate of Alves at Barcelona, who stepped in to help, per Daily Sports.

Memphis' gesture towards convicted friends

Memphis has shown a tendency to support his friends, even if it means going against popular opinion.

Prior to assisting Alves, he faced criticism for defending another former teammate, Quincy Promes, who was convicted of drug trafficking in the Netherlands, as noted by Football Espana.

He also launched a passionate appeal after former Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy was acquitted of all his sexual assault charges.

Fans greet Memphis with mixed reactions

The Dutch forward's decision to bail out Alves has stirred up debate, with fans expressing various opinions about his actions. His act of generosity definitely did not sit well with quite a number of social media users.

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@SantiagoEf94325 was ruthless with his judgement:

"Pfff shame on him and shame on Neymar for helping A CONVICTED CRIMINAL!!"

@doubleksam saluted Memphis for his brave gesture:

"Gentlemen get yourselves a friend like Memphis Depay. He paid for Dani Alves' bail €1M for him to be released from prison. Who are your friends."

@eldaveydavid appeared to agree with @doubleksam:

"Memphis Depay is the one who paid €1 million in bail for Dani Alves, leading to his release from prison today, pure humanity."

@0panaa_1 questioned why Depay chose to back Alves instead of supporting children in Africa:

"Paying this huge amount while some kids in Africa need a quarter of this money to buy food smh."

Barcelona strips Alves of legendary status

While a former Barcelona star came through for Dani Alves, the club itself has reportedly chosen to strip Dani Alves of his status as a club legend following his prison sentence, as reported by Sports Brief.

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The former Brazilian international faced another blow as Barcelona reportedly decided to cut ties with him after the guilty verdict.

Citing Diario Sport, Get Football reported that the Catalan club has made the decision to revoke Alves' legend status.