Achraf Hakimi to stand trial for rape charges

Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi is set to stand trial on rape charges after French prosecutors confirmed the case will proceed.

A woman accused the Paris Saint-Germain defender of raping her at his home in Paris in 2023, when she was 24 years old.

The investigation was first opened in March 2023 by the public prosecutor’s office in Nanterre, with a judge later ordering that the case go to trial in February 2026.

French media report that Hakimi recently failed in an attempt to have the case dismissed.

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Hakimi, who is currently preparing to lead Morocco in their second World Cup group match against Scotland, has strongly denied the allegations.

Writing on social media on Friday, June 19, 2026, the PSG star was optimistic about his innocence.

“The justice system 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 believed that maintaining my dignity, being patient, and trusting in the justice system would allow the right decisions to be made,” he posted.

He further stated how eager he is to be able to finally make a case for his innocence.

“Today, a story that isn't mine is being told at the expense of my family, my life, and above all, the truth. I sometimes feel like I've become an easy target. I've been waiting for this trial since day one. And now I'm eagerly awaiting it. Finally, I'll be able to speak,” he added.

The complainant’s lawyer, Rachel-Flore Pardo, welcomed the decision to proceed.

“After more than three years of legal proceedings, and after my client was, in her view, defamed and dragged through the mud by Achraf Hakimi's defence, this decision brings her relief and hope. Relief that she has been heard by the justice system and will have the right to a trial,” she said.

No date has yet been fixed for the trial.

Hakimi, capped 97 times for Morocco and a key figure in their historic 2022 World Cup semi-final run, is also facing potential travel complications should his team progress beyond the group stage in the ongoing 2026 World Cup, with matches set to be played across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

La justice m’a regardé dans les yeux et m’a dit : « Si vous n’étiez pas connu, il n’y aurait jamais eu d’affaire. »

J’ai choisi de me taire pendant des années. J’ai pensé que rester digne, être patient et faire confiance à la justice permettrait que les bonnes décisions soient…

— Achraf Hakimi (@AchrafHakimi) June 19, 2026

FKA/JE

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