Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco star Achraf Hakimi has issued a forceful denial after being ordered to stand trial in France over an allegation of rape. The 27-year-old defender took to social media to condemn what he described as "lies" and express his confidence that the truth will emerge through the judicial process.
Hakimi Ordered to Face Trial in French Court
The criminal court of Hauts-de-Seine has mandated that Hakimi must attend proceedings to address a rape charge stemming from an incident alleged to have occurred on February 25, 2023. According to court documents, a 24-year-old woman has accused the footballer of raping her at his residence in the Boulogne-Billancourt district of Paris.
Hakimi was first accused in February 2023 and has consistently maintained his innocence throughout the investigation. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, the Morocco captain wrote: "Today, a rape accusation is enough to justify a trial, even though I contest it and everything proves that it is false. It is as unfair to the innocent as it is to sincere victims. I await this trial calmly, which will allow the truth to come out publicly."
Footballer's Emotional Response to Allegations
In a previous interview with Canal+ in September, Hakimi described the allegations as the most difficult experience of his life. "For me, it's the hardest thing that's ever happened to me," he stated. "And the truth is, it's the hardest blow I've ever suffered. I think it was pretty hard for me, and it still is, because when they keep telling lie after lie, it hurts."
The defender expressed particular concern about the impact on his family, especially his young children. "It hurts for my family, for my children, who are young and don't know what the internet or reading is. I know that at some point in their lives they'll read things, and for me, seeing that something about their father has been written and on top of that, it's a lie, is not very pleasant, and I honestly wouldn't wish that on them."
Hakimi's Cooperation with Authorities
Hakimi emphasized his full cooperation with the investigation, contrasting it with what he described as difficulties presented by his accuser. "I asked to speak to the police, to them, to explain my version. Always when they've needed me for anything… What's more, they have my DNA. Whatever they needed, I was available, unlike the person accusing me, who didn't make things easy."
The footballer added that police work had uncovered "quite a few good things" in his defense and expressed confidence in his legal team. "Thanks to the police's work, we've been able to find quite a few good things. The truth is, I'm calm. I know I'm in good hands with my lawyer. Justice is doing its work, and I hope the truth comes out soon."
Football's Vulnerability to Exploitation
Hakimi also spoke about the vulnerabilities faced by professional footballers, suggesting that some individuals seek to take advantage of their status and wealth. "We're exposed to a lot of things, we're exposed to things like girls approaching us. Blackmail… I think there are a lot of people in the world of football who take advantage of us. And if you don't have people around you, these things happen to you."
The defender concluded: "They've stained my dignity, because I know what's really going on, especially in the fact that they're accusing me of being false. And when you're falsely accused, it's not good. I wouldn't want that to happen to anyone."
Hakimi's Career at PSG
Achraf Hakimi joined Paris Saint-Germain from Inter Milan in 2021 for a transfer fee of £51 million. Since his arrival at the French club, he has made 194 appearances, contributing 28 goals and 38 assists. During his tenure, Hakimi has helped PSG secure four Ligue 1 titles and the prestigious Champions League trophy, establishing himself as a key player for both club and country as captain of the Moroccan national team.
The trial order represents a significant development in a case that has attracted international attention, pitting the word of a prominent footballer against serious criminal allegations. As the judicial process moves forward, both Hakimi's legal team and prosecutors will present their evidence before the French court.
