The life-size statue of the footballer Daniel Alves in the Brazilian city of Juazeiro has once again been targeted by vandals protesting the tribute to the former player. The statue, which honors Juazeiro’s most famous fellow citizen, was found stained with white paint just days after his head was covered with a black bag.
The attacks on the statue come in response to a recent court decision in Spain sentencing Alves to four and a half years in prison for rape. The statue, created by sculptor Leo Santana, depicts Alves in his former football jerseys, controlling a ball with his feet.
Residents of Juazeiro have called on the municipality to remove the statue, arguing that honoring a convicted rapist tarnishes the city’s image. The protest movement, which began on social media, has gained momentum and support from locals who feel that Alves’ actions should not be glorified.
The mayor of Juazeiro has announced plans to hold a meeting this week to discuss the removal of the statue. Alves, a decorated footballer with numerous titles and championships, has represented Brazil in multiple World Cups and Copa América tournaments.
Despite his successful career on the field, the controversy surrounding Alves’ legal troubles has sparked a debate in Juazeiro about how to handle the public commemoration of a figure with a criminal past.