Dani Alves, one final challenge in Portugal?

Without an official match in over two years, the former Brazilian international Dani Alves could lace up his boots in Portugal to help São João de Ver, a third-division club he co-owns, as they fight to stay up.

At 42, Dani Alves could very well surprise the football world once more. The former Brazilian international, who hasn’t played a single official match in over two years, is reportedly considering a return to the pitch, with one final challenge that would be as symbolic as it is personal.

According to information from the Portuguese daily A Bola, the right-back is seriously considering returning to duty in the colors of São João de Ver, a Portuguese third-division club of which he is… a co-owner. A hypothesis that, if confirmed, would mark a return as rare as it is atypical for a player with an impressive track record.

This possible comeback would not be driven by nostalgia, but by sporting urgency. Engaged in a delicate fight to stay up, São João de Ver is going through a difficult period. Dani Alves could thus decide to get directly involved on the pitch to bring his experience, his leadership, and his knowledge of top-level football to help the club stay up.

Still driven by the idea, even distant, of playing the 2026 World Cup with the Seleção, the Brazilian would see in this return an opportunity to stay connected to the game and to take on one last challenge at the end of his career. If the biggest European stages don’t offer him a spotlight, Dani Alves could thus write one final chapter of his career in a more intimate, but meaningful setting.