Achraf Hakimi to Stand Trial for Rape Charges

A French court has confirmed that Achraf Hakimi, the Paris Saint-Germain defender and captain of Morocco’s national team, will stand trial on a rape charge, setting the stage for a high-profile case involving one of world football’s most recognisable full-backs.

Hakimi, 27, has denied the allegations from the outset and reacted publicly after the decision. In a post on X, he said he was “eagerly awaiting” the trial, insisting it would finally give him the chance “to speak”.

The case stems from a complaint filed in February 2023. A woman, then 24, told police in the Val-de-Marne region, southeast of Paris, that Hakimi raped her after she went to his home.

According to details given at the time by a police source, the woman said she first made contact with Hakimi on Instagram in January 2023. She later travelled to his residence in a taxi that she said was ordered by the player. Once there, she alleged Hakimi kissed her, touched her without consent and then raped her. She told investigators she managed to push him away and send a message to a friend, who came to collect her.

The criminal court in the Hauts-de-Seine department will hear the case, though no trial date has yet been set.

Hakimi’s legal team moved quickly after the court’s confirmation. His lawyer, Fanny Colin, underlined that the ruling does not amount to a verdict.

“This confirmation was expected. Nothing here says that he is guilty of anything, he remains steadfast in his defence,” she said.

On the other side, the decision marked a significant moment for the complainant. Her lawyer, Rachel-Flore Pardo, said the court’s move brought her client “relief and hope”.

The woman, who has chosen to speak publicly under the pseudonym “Jeanne”, broke her silence in an article published by Mediapart on Thursday. She said she wanted the case to go to trial “to defend myself, to be heard”.

“I want to explain myself. I want people to believe me,” she said.

The confirmation of the trial lands at a time when Hakimi’s profile is again on the rise with Morocco. He remains a central figure for his country, whose national team is playing its second World Cup match on Friday against Scotland, even as the legal battle that now defines the other side of his life moves toward a courtroom.