Dani Alves has won more titles than any other player in history. He's been at the top of European football more than once and has won the leagues of countries such as France, Spain, and Italy. Signing for Sao Paulo leaves him with one missing piece to his trophy cabinet: the Premier League.
For the majority of footballers, Europe counts with five big leagues. However, the true crown jewels are considered to be Spain's La Liga, the Premier League, and Serie A.
Dani Alves played in two out of three. He arrived in Spain through Monchi, Sevilla's legendary sporting director, responsible for discovering and bringing talents such as Ivan Rakitic, Sergio Ramos and the brazilian, among others. With Sevilla, Dani Alves showed that his skill and talent was meant for an even bigger stage and after six years in the Andalusian city, he completed his move to Barcelona in the summer of 2008.
His best years were at the Camp Nou. With an array of titles, trebles and immense success with the Catalans, occasional spats with Barcelona's board prompted his exit from the Camp Nou, deciding it was time to look for a team beyond the Spanish territory.
Many thought that Alves' age would interfere with his performance for Italian giants Juventus, but the Brazilian proved the public wrong and after two seasons in the "Vecchia Signora", his performance had impressed to the point of gathering big spenders' attention; he was on his way to PSG.
Although the Ligue 1 is a step below, everything related to the Parisian team acquires a greater volume. In Paris, he dazzled with his great performances and once again made it clear that, for the time being, there was no challenge that could resist him.
In the meantime, Alves has always been a fixture in the Brazilian national team. And in times of doubt, his return to the starting line-up was hardly a great physical effort for the Brazilian. After all, he was chosen 'MVP' of the Copa América he won with Brazil just last July.
Now, Sao Paulo will have the privilege of counting on him and, with this signing and his farewell to Europe, the Premier League will remain a pending challenge. Guardiola's City was once linked with the player, but it seems the offer fell through, or Dani Alves decided it was time to come home. Either way, his glittering career did not lead him to English pastures, and it seems it is now too late.