PSG Star Achraf Hakimi: Prosecutors Seek Rape Trial as Case Continues

Moroccan international footballer Achraf Hakimi is facing a formal request by French prosecutors to stand trial on rape charges.

The Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) defender has consistently denied the allegations since they first emerged in February 2023.

The Allegations:

The case began on February 26, 2023, when a 24-year-old woman made a complaint to police, accusing Hakimi of rape at his home in the Paris suburb of Boulogne-Billancourt.

According to reports, the woman alleged she had met Hakimi on Instagram in January 2023 and he later paid for her to travel to his home while his wife and children were on holiday.

She claimed that once at his residence, Hakimi began making non-consensual sexual advances before allegedly raping her. She stated she managed to break free and text a friend who came to pick her up.

Although the woman initially refused to file a formal accusation, prosecutors decided to proceed with charges.

Legal Proceedings and Denials:

In March 2023, Hakimi was given preliminary charges of rape. Under French law, preliminary charges mean there is sufficient reason to suspect a crime has been committed, allowing magistrates more time to investigate before deciding whether to send the case to trial.

He was placed under judicial supervision, which included a prohibition from contacting the alleged victim, but he was allowed to leave French territory.

Hakimi's lawyer, Fanny Colin, has maintained her client's innocence, stating he "firmly denied the accusations made against him" from the outset.

She has also claimed that Hakimi has been the subject of an "attempted racketeering," a claim the alleged victim's lawyer, Rachel-Flore Pardo, strongly refutes.

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Pardo has stated that her client chose to confide in justice and will speak only to justice, not tolerating any "smear or destabilisation campaign."

Current Status (August 2025):

On August 1, 2025, French prosecutors formally requested that the investigating judge refer the rape charge to a criminal court, meaning they believe there is enough evidence for Hakimi to face trial.

It is now up to the investigating magistrate to make a final decision on whether the case will proceed to a full trial.

Hakimi's legal team has described this call for a trial as "incomprehensible and senseless in light of the case's elements" and has indicated they would pursue all avenues of appeal if the trial proceeds.

Achraf, 26, is a prominent figure in world football.He played a crucial role in Morocco's historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup and has been an integral part of Paris Saint-Germain's success, including their recent Champions League title in May 2025.

He has continued to train and play for his club during the ongoing legal process.

It is important to note that a formal charge or a request for trial does not constitute a conviction, and Hakimi maintains his innocence.

The legal process is ongoing, and the next steps will depend on the investigating magistrate's decision.