Achraf Hakimi, 27, Paris Saint-Germain defender and captain of Morocco’s national team, will stand trial on a rape charge in France, officials confirmed on June 19, 2026 [1, 2, 3]. The alleged assault occurred in 2023 at Hakimi's home in the Paris region involving a 24-year-old woman, who filed the complaint in February 2023 near Val-de-Marne [2, 3, 4].
The Nanterre prosecutor's office opened a preliminary investigation shortly afterward in March 2023 [2]. After reviewing the evidence, an investigating judge ordered Hakimi to stand trial in February 2026 following prosecutors’ recommendation [2, 5]. Hakimi appealed the referral, but the Versailles appeals court rejected his appeal yesterday, formally confirming the trial will proceed [1, 6, 3, 7, 5].
Hakimi denies the rape allegations and has publicly stated he has been waiting for his day in court to tell his side. "Today, a story that isn't mine is being told at the expense of my family, my life, and above all, the truth. Sometimes I feel like I've become an easy target. I've been waiting for this trial since day one. And now I'm looking forward to it. Finally, I'll be able to speak out," he said [1]. He also said, "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" [2].
The alleged victim's lawyer, Rachel-Flore Pardo, said the court's decision brings her client relief and hope. She said, "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. Hope that this trial will help other women and further weaken the wall of denial and impunity surrounding sexual violence, including in the world of men's football" [2].
Hakimi has continued to play for Morocco during the ongoing 2026 World Cup. He appeared in Morocco’s opener against Brazil on June 14, and captained the team in their 1-0 group stage win over Scotland on June 19 [1, 8, 9]. Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi noted, "He is fine. He woke up this morning, ate like everyone else, got ready for the game and motivated everyone. He was there in the dressing room, focused and determined to put in a big performance. We are behind him, and he is very calm, totally unfazed" [8].
Hakimi has been recognized as African Footballer of the Year during his career [8, 3]. The exact trial date has not yet been announced by French authorities [1, 2].
