Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi will face trial for rape, the player confirmed on Tuesday via social media, while vehemently denying the allegation. The 27-year-old stated that a rape accusation alone is enough to justify a trial, even though he insists the claims are false and that evidence proves his innocence.
The Nanterre prosecutor’s office opened an investigation in 2023 following a complaint from a woman who said she met Hakimi on Instagram in January 2023 and was taken to his home in a taxi ordered by the player. She alleged that he kissed and touched her without consent before raping her, and that she managed to push him away and text a friend for help.
The plaintiff’s lawyer, Rachel-Flore Pardo, expressed relief that the case is proceeding to court, praising the judiciary’s handling but noting that the treatment of such cases shows the #MeToo movement has not yet fully penetrated men’s football. Hakimi’s lawyer, Fanny Colin, countered that the accusation rests solely on the word of a woman who obstructed investigations, refusing medical exams, DNA tests, phone checks, and naming a key witness.
Hakimi awaits the trial, which he says will allow the truth to emerge publicly. Meanwhile, PSG face Monaco on Wednesday in the Champions League playoff second leg, with Hakimi included in the initial squad list. Coach Luis Enrique declined to comment, stating the matter is in the hands of the authorities.
