Achraf Hakimi Faces Rape Trial Amid World Cup Campaign

The legal shadow hanging over Achraf Hakimi darkened decisively this week, as French authorities ordered the Paris Saint-Germain defender to stand trial for rape following a lengthy judicial inquiry.

The case stems from a February 2023 complaint filed by a young woman, who reported a sexual assault at Hakimi’s home in Boulogne-Billancourt. After nearly three years of investigation, prosecutors pushed for the case to go before a criminal court, a position that has now been upheld by the appeals court in Hauts-de-Seine.

The ruling means judges have deemed there is sufficient evidence against the 27-year-old Morocco international to justify a full criminal trial.

Hakimi breaks his silence

Hakimi, who had largely kept quiet in public throughout the investigation, responded forcefully once the appeals court decision became known.

He took to social media to deliver his version of events and his frustration with the process, writing: “The court looked me in the eye and said: ‘If you weren't famous, there would never have been a case.’ I chose to remain silent for years. I thought that remaining dignified, being patient, and trusting in the justice system would allow the right decisions to be made.”

His words mark a clear shift in tone from a player who, until now, had allowed his legal team to speak on his behalf. Now, with a trial looming, Hakimi is openly contesting the very foundations of the case.

Civil party hails ‘consistent’ step toward justice

On the opposite side of the legal battle, the complainant’s camp welcomed the ruling as a crucial breakthrough.

Rachel-Flore Pardo, lawyer for the civil party, said: “The investigating chamber has ruled that there is sufficient evidence against Achraf Hakimi for having committed rape. This decision is perfectly consistent with the evidence in the case and in line with the opinions of the public prosecutor, the investigating judge, and the advocate general at the Court of Appeal.

“This decision brings my client relief and hope... The hope that this trial will help other women and further erode the fortress of denial and impunity surrounding sexual violence, even within the world of men's football.”

For Pardo and her client, the move to trial is not just about one case. It is framed as a test of how far elite sport is willing to go in confronting allegations of sexual violence against its stars.

Defence hits back and promises to fight

Hakimi’s legal team has taken the opposite view, attacking the decision and insisting the evidence points to his innocence.

His lawyer argued that the investigation had unearthed “a multitude of exculpatory elements” which, in their view, should have ended the case long before this stage. “The multitude of exculpatory elements revealed by the investigation and the judicial inquiry would, in any other case, have led to a dismissal. Mr. Achraf Hakimi is now eagerly awaiting his trial so that he can finally speak publicly about the false accusation against him.”

That line sets the stage for a combative courtroom confrontation: a high-profile footballer insisting he has been falsely accused, facing a complainant whose legal team says the justice system has at last taken her seriously.

World Cup pressure and PSG concerns

All of this unfolds at a moment of maximum visibility for Hakimi. He is currently captaining Morocco at the 2026 World Cup, carrying the expectations of a nation that has grown used to seeing its right-back shine on the biggest stage.

On Friday, he is due to lead Morocco into a pivotal second group-stage match against Scotland. The stakes on the pitch are clear. So are the distractions off it. Every step he takes, every touch of the ball, will now be viewed through the lens of an impending criminal trial.

Paris Saint-Germain, meanwhile, are watching closely from afar. The club will soon begin preparations for pre-season, with a definitive trial date in France expected to be scheduled in the near future. Any decision in court could have major implications for Hakimi’s future in Paris and beyond.

For now, the defender walks a tightrope between two worlds: captain of his country on football’s grandest stage, and defendant in a looming rape trial that will test not only his own credibility, but the way the sport confronts allegations against its biggest names.