Achraf Hakimi, defender for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and captain of the Morocco national team, is set to face trial in France following an allegation of rape dating back to 2023. The 27-year-old has consistently denied the accusation and says he welcomes the opportunity to clear his name in court.
In March 2023, a 24-year-old woman accused Hakimi of raping her at his residence in the Paris area. According to French media reports at the time, the woman alleged the incident occurred after she had been in contact with the footballer via social media. She reportedly went to a police station shortly afterward but did not immediately file a formal complaint. Nevertheless, French authorities initiated a preliminary investigation.
The case is being handled by prosecutors in Nanterre, a suburb west of Paris with jurisdiction over the area where the alleged incident took place. Under French criminal procedure, a preliminary investigation allows prosecutors to gather evidence before deciding whether to dismiss the case, pursue formal charges, or request a trial.
Hakimi was formally placed under judicial investigation in 2023 — a legal status in France indicating that investigating magistrates believe there is serious or consistent evidence warranting further inquiry. This step does not imply guilt but signals that a case may proceed to trial if sufficient evidence exists.
In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Hakimi stated:
“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.”
His lawyer has confirmed that a trial has been ordered, adding that the defense team is awaiting proceedings “with determination and resolve so that justice may be served.” As of now, no trial date has been publicly announced. BBC Sport has reported that it has contacted the Nanterre prosecutor’s office for further comment.
Despite the ongoing legal case, Hakimi has continued to feature prominently for PSG. The club is currently competing in domestic and European competitions, including the UEFA Champions League. PSG are scheduled to host Monaco in the second leg of their knockout round play-off tie this week, and Hakimi was named in the club’s provisional squad.
Born in Spain to Moroccan parents, Hakimi represents Morocco at international level. Since joining PSG in 2021 from Inter Milan, he has made nearly 200 appearances for the Paris-based club and has won multiple domestic honours, including Ligue 1 titles. He was also part of PSG’s recent Champions League-winning squad.
Individually, Hakimi’s performances earned him recognition at the Best FIFA Football Awards ceremony in Paris, where he was named in the FIFPRO Men’s World 11, an annual team selected by professional footballers worldwide.
Internationally, Morocco is preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The Atlas Lions are set to face Scotland, Haiti, and Brazil in the group stage this summer, according to tournament fixtures.
Under French law, as in most democratic legal systems, a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The upcoming trial will determine whether the allegations against Hakimi meet the threshold for criminal conviction.
