Paris Saint-Germain star Achraf Hakimi is set to face trial in France over allegations of rape dating back to 2023. The Moroccan international denies the charges and says he is confident the court proceedings will establish the truth.
Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi is set to stand trial in France over allegations that he raped a young woman in 2023, according to statements from his legal representative and French judicial authorities. The development marks a significant turn in a case that has drawn considerable public attention due to Hakimi’s prominence in European and international football.
The case stems from a complaint filed in February 2023 by a 24-year-old woman, who told police in the Val-de-Marne area, southeast of Paris, that the Moroccan international sexually assaulted her at his residence. At the time of the alleged incident, Hakimi was one of the standout performers for PSG and had recently enhanced his global reputation following Morocco’s historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar — the first time an African and Arab nation had reached the last four of the tournament.
Hakimi, now 27, has consistently denied the allegations. Responding publicly after news broke that a trial had been ordered, the player stated that he contests the accusation and maintains that the claims against him are untrue. Writing on social media platform X, he said that although an accusation alone is enough to trigger a trial under French law, he remains confident that the judicial process will ultimately establish the truth. He added that he is awaiting the proceedings calmly and believes the court hearing will allow the facts to emerge transparently.
His lawyer, Fanny Colin, confirmed that a trial has been scheduled. A prosecutor based in the Paris suburb of Nanterre also verified that the case would proceed to court. Colin strongly criticized the basis for the prosecution, arguing that the case relies solely on the complainant’s testimony. She claimed that the plaintiff declined to cooperate fully with aspects of the investigation, including medical examinations, DNA testing, and allowing her mobile phone to be analyzed. According to the defense, the woman also allegedly refused to identify a key witness whom the lawyer suggested could have been important to clarifying the events in question.
Details that emerged earlier in the investigation indicate that the complainant and Hakimi first connected via Instagram in January 2023. The woman reportedly told investigators that she later traveled to the player’s home in a taxi arranged by him. She alleged that once there, Hakimi kissed and touched her without consent before raping her. According to her account, she managed to push him away and immediately contacted a friend via text message, who then came to collect her from the residence.
The case has generated discussion not only within legal circles but also in the football world. When asked about the situation during a press conference ahead of PSG’s Champions League play-off second-leg match against Monaco, head coach Luis Enrique declined to comment in detail, stating simply that the matter is being handled by the appropriate authorities.
The complainant’s lawyer, Rachel-Flore Pardo, welcomed the decision to move the case to trial. She said her client felt relieved that the matter would now be examined in court and praised the French judiciary for its handling of the investigation. However, she also suggested that the broader response to such allegations in men’s professional football demonstrates that the impact of the #MeToo movement has not fully extended into the sport.
Hakimi’s professional career has been marked by rapid progression and high-profile achievements. Born in Spain to a Moroccan mother, he developed through the youth system at Real Madrid and made his senior debut for the Spanish giants in 2017. He later gained further experience in the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund and then in Serie A with Inter Milan, where he played a key role in Inter’s domestic success. In 2021, he secured a move to PSG, becoming a central figure in the French club’s domestic and European campaigns.
Internationally, Hakimi has been one of Morocco’s most influential players. His performances during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar were widely praised, as Morocco stunned several higher-ranked opponents to reach the semi-finals. He has also represented Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations, further cementing his status as one of the country’s leading football stars.
With the case now set to be heard in court, attention will shift to the legal proceedings. French judges will examine the evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defense before determining the outcome. Until a verdict is reached, the allegations remain contested, and Hakimi continues to assert his innocence.
