PSG defender Hakimi to stand trial on rape charges

A French court on Friday confirmed that Morocco and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) defender Achraf Hakimi will stand trial over allegations of rape dating back to 2023, accusations the player has consistently denied.

Court confirms trial over 2023 allegations

The 27-year-old right-back, who is currently representing Morocco at the FIFA 2026 World Cup, was formally indicted after a woman accused him of rape following an encounter at his home in February 2023.

Read Also: Rape: Hakimi maintains innocence, says allegation ‘false’

According to the complainant, who was 24 at the time, she met Hakimi on Instagram before travelling to his residence in the Val-de-Marne region, southeast of Paris, in a taxi allegedly arranged by the footballer.

She told investigators that Hakimi kissed and touched her without consent before raping her. The woman said she managed to push him away and contacted a friend, who later picked her up.

Hakimi has repeatedly denied the allegations.

Hakimi reacts

Reacting to the ruling by the Versailles Court of Appeal, the PSG defender said he welcomed the opportunity to finally present his side of the story in court.

“I have been waiting for this trial since day one,” Hakimi wrote on X.

“At last, I’ll be able to speak.”

No date has yet been set for the trial, which will take place before the criminal court in the Hauts-de-Seine department.

Defence maintains innocence

Hakimi’s lawyer, Fanny Colin, said the court’s decision was expected and stressed that her client maintains his innocence.

“This confirmation was expected. Nothing here says that he is guilty of anything; he remains steadfast in his defence,” Colin said.

Complainant seeks to be heard

The complainant’s lawyer, Rachel-Flore Pardo, welcomed the ruling, saying it brought her client “relief and hope.”

Speaking publicly for the first time in an interview published by Mediapart on Thursday, the woman, identified only as Jeanne, said she wanted the case to proceed to trial so her account could be heard.

“I want to explain myself. I want people to believe me,” she said.

The development comes as Hakimi prepares for Morocco’s second World Cup group-stage match against Scotland on Friday, with the legal proceedings likely to continue alongside his football commitments.