Morocco national team captain Achraf Hakimi is set to stand trial in France after prosecutors confirmed he will face court over rape allegations dating back to 2023.
The case stems from an accusation made by a woman who claims the Paris Saint-Germain defender raped her at his home in the French capital when she was 24 years old. The investigation was first opened in March 2023 by the public prosecutor’s office in Nanterre, and an examining magistrate ordered the case to proceed to trial in February 2026 following a lengthy legal process.
Hakimi has consistently denied the allegations and says he is eager to present his defence in court. In a statement shared on social media, the 27-year-old said he had remained silent for years while trusting the justice system to establish the truth, adding that he now looks forward to finally speaking in court. He also claimed the case had unfairly affected his family and reputation.
The player’s legal team recently attempted to have the case dismissed, but the appeal was unsuccessful, according to French media reports. A trial date has not yet been confirmed.
The complainant’s lawyer welcomed the decision to proceed, saying her client felt relieved after being heard by the justice system. She added that the trial could help address wider issues surrounding sexual violence and accountability, including within professional football.
The timing of the case presents potential complications for Hakimi’s football commitments. Morocco are currently competing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with all of their group-stage matches taking place in the United States. Should the team progress to later rounds held in Canada or Mexico, the defender could face travel restrictions depending on legal and immigration decisions.
Similar issues have already emerged during the tournament. Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey previously missed a World Cup match after being denied entry to Canada due to ongoing legal proceedings.
Hakimi, who has earned more than 90 international caps, has been a key figure in Morocco’s rise on the global stage, including their historic run to the World Cup semi-finals in 2022. At club level, he joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 and has since won multiple domestic and European honours, establishing himself as one of the world’s leading right-backs.
As the legal process moves forward, Hakimi maintains his innocence while continuing to represent his country on football’s biggest stage.
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