MOROCCAN football star and Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi has publicly addressed rape allegations against him as French prosecutors call for the case to proceed to criminal trial, marking the latest development in a legal battle that began in 2023.
The 26-year-old Moroccan international was charged with rape on March 3, 2023, following allegations related to an incident that allegedly occurred on February 25, 2023. French prosecutors have now requested that an investigating judge refer the case to criminal court for trial.
Hakimi’s Response
Speaking to Canal+ this week, Hakimi vehemently denied the allegations, describing them as “false” and “horrible.”
“I’m calm. This false accusation was horrible, unfair,” Hakimi stated. “I wouldn’t wish this on anyone; it’s not right. I know the truth will come out. I don’t blame myself for anything; those who know me know that. I’m calm and I’m focusing on the more important things in my life: family, football.”
The defender faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted, which is the maximum sentence for non-aggravated rape under French law.
The Allegations
According to reports from Le Parisien, the allegations stem from an encounter between Hakimi and a 24-year-old woman who claims she met the footballer on Instagram in January 2023. The woman alleges that after exchanging messages for about a month, Hakimi arranged for her to visit his home in Boulogne-Billancourt while his wife, actress Hiba Abouk, was on holiday in Dubai.
The woman reported to police that Hakimi proceeded to assault her despite her protests, and that she was able to escape. She visited a police station the same day to make a statement, but initially did not file a formal complaint.
Abouk began divorce proceedings against Hakimi in 2023.
Legal Positions
Hakimi’s lawyer, Fanny Colin, called the prosecutors’ request for trial “incomprehensible and senseless in light of the case’s elements.” She indicated that if the request is approved, the defence would “pursue all avenues of appeal.”
In contrast, the lawyer representing the alleged victim described the news of prosecutors seeking a trial as an “immense relief.”
Hakimi has previously characterised the case as an attempt at blackmail, with his legal team describing the allegation as “attempted racketeering.” In a January interview, he said: “When you are successful and things are going well, you become an easy target for certain people… They wanted to blackmail me, and that’s why we filed a complaint.”
Club and Career Impact
PSG has not commented extensively on the case but has supported Hakimi throughout the investigation, citing “personal reasons” when he missed training sessions during sensitive phases of the legal proceedings. The club has stated it continues to trust the legal process.
Despite the ongoing legal situation, Hakimi has remained an active player for PSG and contributed to the team’s recent success, including their first Champions League title in 2025.
Broader Context in Football
Hakimi’s case occurs amid other high-profile allegations in football. Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey was charged in 2025 with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault involving three women. Partey has denied all allegations, with his legal team stating he “welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name.”
These cases have highlighted ongoing discussions about allegations of sexual misconduct in professional sports and the balance between due process and public accountability.
Next Steps
The decision on whether to proceed to trial now rests with the investigating magistrate. Hakimi remains under judicial supervision while the legal process continues.
Both the prosecution and defence await the court’s decision on how the case will proceed, with significant implications for all parties involved.
This is a developing story. All parties maintain the presumption of innocence until proven guilty in a court of law.
