Achraf Hakimi to stand trial for rape in France as PSG star declares he's 'eagerly awaiting' day in court

The case stems from a February 2023 incident where a young woman reported a sexual assault at the player's home in Boulogne-Billancourt. Following an extensive three-year judicial inquiry, the prosecution formally requested a trial before the final judicial referral was confirmed by the appeals court. Legal authorities in Hauts-de-Seine ultimately ruled that the investigation had yielded sufficient evidence against the 27-year-old to proceed directly to a full criminal trial.

Hakimi took to social media to give his take on the news, declaring: "The court looked me in the eye and said: 'If you weren't famous, there would never have been a case.' I chose to remain silent for years. I thought that remaining dignified, being patient, and trusting in the justice system would allow the right decisions to be made."

The legal representative for the civil party welcomed the appellate court's decision, describing it as a consistent step toward justice that offers reassurance to victims within elite sports.

Rachel-Flore Pardo, the civil party's lawyer, stated: "The investigating chamber has ruled that there is sufficient evidence against Achraf Hakimi for having committed rape. This decision is perfectly consistent with the evidence in the case and in line with the opinions of the public prosecutor, the investigating judge, and the advocate general at the Court of Appeal.

"This decision brings my client relief and hope... The hope that this trial will help other women and further erode the fortress of denial and impunity surrounding sexual violence, even within the world of men's football."

Hakimi's legal team has maintained an entirely contrary stance, aggressively criticising the decision to proceed while claiming the investigation overlooked critical exculpatory evidence.

The Morocco international's lawyer responded: "The multitude of exculpatory elements revealed by the investigation and the judicial inquiry would, in any other case, have led to a dismissal. Mr. Achraf Hakimi is now eagerly awaiting his trial so that he can finally speak publicly about the false accusation against him."

The legal development emerges at a highly sensitive time for the defender, who is currently captaining Morocco at the 2026 World Cup. Hakimi must lead his nation into a crucial second group stage match against Scotland on Friday evening despite the severe external distractions surrounding his upcoming criminal proceedings.

Club side Paris Saint-Germain will also closely monitor the situation ahead of pre-season training, as a definitive trial date in France is expected to be scheduled soon.