Achraf Hakimi, the Morocco captain and Paris Saint-Germain defender, will face trial for rape after French prosecutors confirmed the charges – accusations he has consistently denied. The trial, ordered by an investigating judge, is scheduled for February 2026, with Hakimi failing in a recent appeal to have the case thrown out.
The woman who brought the complaint told police she was raped at Hakimi’s home in Paris in 2023, when she was 24. French prosecutors opened a preliminary investigation in March 2023, and the case has now progressed to trial. No date has yet been set for the start of proceedings.
“France orders Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi to stand trial for rape in 2026; he denies accusations.”
Hakimi, 27, broke his silence on social media on Friday, writing: “The justice system 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 believed that maintaining my dignity, being patient, and trusting in the justice system would allow the right decisions to be made. Today, a story that isn’t mine is being told at the expense of my family, my life, and above all, the truth. I sometimes feel like I’ve become an easy target. I’ve been waiting for this trial since day one. And now I’m eagerly awaiting it. Finally, I’ll be able to speak.”
Rachel-Flore Pardo, the plaintiff’s lawyer, said in a statement: “After more than three years of legal proceedings, and after my client was, in her view, defamed and dragged through the mud by Achraf Hakimi’s defence, this decision brings her relief and hope. Relief that she has been heard by the justice system and will have the right to a trial. Hope that this trial will help other women and further weaken the wall of denial and impunity surrounding sexual violence, including in the world of men’s football.”
Hakimi, who made his Morocco debut in 2016 at age 17 and has won 97 caps, is set to lead his team against Scotland in their second World Cup fixture on Friday at 23:00 BST. All three of Morocco’s group-stage matches are in the United States, where the team is currently based. However, if Morocco progress to the knockout stages, Hakimi could face difficulties entering Canada or Mexico should those matches be held outside the US. Last week, Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey was denied entry to Canada for the opening match against Panama; Partey has pleaded not guilty to seven charges of rape and one of sexual assault. Canada’s government website states that entry can be denied to anyone who has “committed or been convicted of a crime”. The World Cup is staged across all three co-host nations until the quarter-finals, which will be exclusively in the US.