Achraf Hakimi, Morocco captain, will stand trial for rape, French prosecutors confirmed.
A woman aged 24 reported that the Paris Saint‑Germain defender raped her at his Paris home in 2023. The public prosecutor's office in Nanterre opened a preliminary investigation in March 2023 and an investigating judge ordered the trial in February 2026.
The defender has consistently denied the accusations. He posted a statement on social media expressing willingness to face the court once the case reaches the judicial stage.
Rachel‑Flore Pardo, the plaintiff’s lawyer, said the trial provides relief and hope for her client after more than three years of legal proceedings, and she urged that it could shed light on sexual violence in football.
The exact trial date remains unannounced. Meanwhile, Morocco is preparing for its second World Cup fixture against Scotland, with all group matches to be held in the United States.
If Morocco progresses to knockout stages, Hakimi could face entry difficulties in Canada or Mexico, mirroring Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey’s 2026 denied entry to Canada due to similar charges. Partney has pleaded not guilty to multiple rape and sexual assault charges and is awaiting trial in 2027.
Hakimi’s international career includes 97 caps since debuting in 2016 and participation in Morocco’s historic semi‑final appearance at the 2022 World Cup. At club level, he joined Paris Saint‑Germain from Inter Milan in 2021 and has secured 13 trophies, including two Champions League titles.
