Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi will face trial following an allegation of rape, the player confirmed Tuesday. The accusation dates back to 2023, when a 24-year-old woman alleged she was assaulted at Hakimi’s home in Paris. The 27-year-old Morocco captain vehemently denies the allegations, stating his confidence that the legal process will reveal the truth.
The case has been under preliminary investigation by the Nanterre prosecutor’s office since March 2023, following the initial accusation. Hakimi took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to express his frustration with the situation, stating, “Today, a rape accusation is enough to justify a trial. This is as unjust to the innocent as it is to the genuine victims. I calmly await this trial, which will allow the truth to come out publicly.”
Confirming the development, the Nanterre prosecutor’s office stated that Hakimi’s case has been formally sent to trial, according to reports from Al Jazeera and BBC Sport. Hakimi’s lawyer, Fanny Colin, detailed concerns about the case, asserting that the accusation “rests solely on the word of a woman who obstructed all investigations, refused all medical examinations and DNA tests, refused access to her mobile phone and refused to provide the name of a key witness.”
Rachel-Flore Pardo, the lawyer representing the plaintiff, expressed her client’s relief at the case progressing to trial, telling the Associated Press that the decision was “fully consistent with the evidence in the file.” No trial date has been set at this time.
Hakimi’s Recent Form and Upcoming Schedule
Despite the serious allegations, Hakimi was included in Paris Saint-Germain’s squad for their upcoming Champions League match against Monaco on Wednesday, February 26, 2026, as reported by ESPN. He recently received recognition for his performance, being named in the FIFA Men’s World Team of the Year at the Best FIFA Football Awards ceremony held in Paris on Monday evening.
The Moroccan international has made 194 appearances for PSG, winning both the Champions League and Ligue 1 titles last season. He has too earned 93 caps for Morocco and is expected to feature in the national team’s campaign at the World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada this summer, where they will face Scotland, Haiti, and Brazil.
Legal Process and Player’s Response
The preliminary charges of rape were brought against Hakimi in March 2023. Under the French legal system, these preliminary charges indicate a reasonable suspicion of a crime but do not equate to a conviction. The trial will determine his guilt or innocence. Colin further argued that psychological assessments of the plaintiff revealed “a lack of clarity regarding the facts she claims to denounce, as well as the absence of any post-traumatic symptoms.”
Hakimi’s statement on X reflects his determination to clear his name and allow the legal process to unfold. He maintains his innocence and believes the trial will provide a platform to present his defense and reveal the truth.
The case is likely to draw significant media attention, given Hakimi’s high profile as a professional footballer and the seriousness of the allegations. The outcome of the trial will have profound implications for his career and personal life.
As the legal proceedings progress, further updates will be provided as they develop into available. The focus will remain on ensuring a fair and transparent process for all parties involved.
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