Pumas win lawsuit against Dani Alves as CAS orders million-dollar compensation

A new chapter of controversy has opened for former Barcelona and Brazil star Dani Alves. The defender has been ordered to pay a multi-million dollar compensation to Mexican club Pumas UNAM after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled in favor of the Liga MX side.

The decision stems from a contractual dispute that began in 2023, when Alves faced legal issues in Spain that prevented him from returning to fulfill his obligations with the Mexican club.

In an official statement released on September 1, 2025, Club Universidad Nacional (Pumas UNAM) confirmed the outcome of the case: “The CAS ruled in favor of the Club, revoking the decision issued by FIFA’s Dispute Resolution Chamber on May 15, 2024. The new ruling not only confirmed the validity of the Club’s termination with just cause but also increased the compensation amount owed by Mr. Alves, to cover the damages caused to the institution.”

According to the decision, Dani Alves must pay $5 million to Pumas UNAM. This figure is higher than the initial amount recognized by FIFA, strengthening the club’s legal victory.

Dani Alves had a brief spell at PUMAS, interrupted by his legal problems in Brazil.

The conflict dates back to January 2023, when Alves was accused of sexual assault at a nightclub in Barcelona while on holiday. He was expected to return to Mexico afterward to continue his spell with Pumas, but his legal troubles kept him from rejoining the squad.

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