Diego Alves Carreira (born 24 June 1985 in Rio de Janeiro), known as Alves, is a Brazilian footballer who plays for Valencia CF in Spain, as a goalkeeper.
Having started professionally at Clube Atlético Mineiro, Alves moved to UD Almería on 24 July 2007, as the Andalusians had just achieved a first ever La Liga promotion.
Initially the backup to another newly signed, David Cobeño, Alves eventually became the undisputed starter, helping the club overachieve for a final 8th place in the league, with notable performances against, among others, Real Madrid.
After Cobeño left for Rayo Vallecano in August 2008, Alves remained first choice during 2008–09, but suffered an injury in the final stretch of the campaign. Fully recovered for the start of the following campaign, he played in all the matches and minutes (safe for 30 minutes against Valencia CF, after he had been sent off, and the last round against Sevilla FC, as Almería was already saved from relegation); even before the campaign had ended, speculation was ripe regarding his future.
On 20 November 2010, Alves was in goal as Almería lost 0–8 at home against FC Barcelona, a defeat which cost manager Juan Manuel Lillo his post. In mid-May 2011, after Almería's top flight relegation, Valencia chairman Manuel Llorente confirmed the signing of the player.
Alves was chosen to represent Brazil at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, as backup to Renan. He did not receive any playing time as the national team went on to get a bronze medal.
Alves made his debut for the full side on 10 November 2011, in a friendly with Gabon. He also played four days later, against Egypt.
