Achraf Hakimi to Stand Trial for Rape in France

French prosecutors have confirmed that Paris St-Germain and Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi will face trial on rape charges at a yet-to-be-determined date in 2026.

"The justice system looked me in the eye and said, 'If you weren't famous, there would never have been a case.'"
— Achraf Hakimi

The Allegation

A woman, who was 24 at the time, has accused Hakimi of raping her at his home in Paris in 2023. Following the complaint, the public prosecutor's office in Nanterre opened a preliminary investigation in March 2023.

Legal Proceedings

An investigating judge has now ordered a trial to proceed in February 2026. Hakimi's appeal to have the trial dismissed was rejected, clearing the way for the case to go before a court.

Hakimi's Response

The 27-year-old footballer has consistently denied the allegations. In a social media post on Friday, he expressed his eagerness for the trial, stating that the formal decision to proceed with the case was "what he wanted."

"The justice system looked me in the eye and said, 'If you weren't famous, there would never have been a case,'" Hakimi wrote, framing the accusations as a consequence of his public profile.

Plaintiff's Reaction

Rachel-Flore Pardo, the lawyer representing the woman who filed the complaint, said the court's decision brings her client "relief and hope." She added that she hoped the trial would serve to encourage other women to come forward.

Background

Hakimi, 27, is a key player for Paris St-Germain and famously led the Moroccan national team to the World Cup semi-finals in 2022. His profile could complicate future travel: Morocco's group stage matches for the next World Cup are in the US, but should they progress, Hakimi could face entry difficulties in Canada or Mexico due to the ongoing legal proceedings.

This echoes the case of Ghana's Thomas Partey, who missed his team's World Cup opener after being denied entry to Canada. Partey has pleaded not guilty to separate rape and sexual assault charges.