Achraf Hakimi, the Paris Saint-Germain full-back and captain of the Morocco national team, will face trial on charges of rape, the French judiciary confirmed on Wednesday. The decision to proceed with prosecution marks a significant moment for the sport, already grappling with a series of high-profile misconduct allegations.
The case, first reported in February 2023, involves an alleged incident at Hakimi’s home in the Paris suburb of Boulogne-Billancourt. The complainant, a 24-year-old woman, filed a formal complaint claiming she was assaulted. Hakimi has consistently denied the accusations through his legal team, asserting the encounter was consensual.
French magistrates concluded their preliminary investigation and determined there was sufficient evidence to warrant a criminal trial. A date for the proceedings has yet to be set. Under French law, the charge of rape carries a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison.
Hakimi, 25, is one of African football’s most prominent figures. Born in Madrid to Moroccan parents, he rose through Real Madrid’s youth academy before establishing himself at Borussia Dortmund and Inter Milan. His €60 million transfer to PSG in 2021 underscored his status among the global elite. On the international stage, he captained Morocco to a historic fourth-place finish at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, becoming a symbol of national pride.
The allegations threaten to overshadow that legacy. For Moroccan football, already navigating the aftermath of a turbulent campaign at the Africa Cup of Nations, the case presents a reputational crisis. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation has declined to comment, citing the ongoing legal process.
Football’s governing bodies face renewed scrutiny over their handling of sexual misconduct cases. Critics argue that clubs and federations often prioritise player welfare over due process for accusers. PSG, which suspended Hakimi shortly after the allegations emerged, reinstated him pending the outcome of the investigation. The club maintains its stance of neutrality.
Legal experts note that France has strengthened its laws around sexual violence in recent years, including extending statutes of limitations and improving support for complainants. The trial will be closely watched as a test of those reforms.
For now, Hakimi remains available for selection. His continued participation in matches has drawn criticism from advocacy groups, who argue that players facing such charges should step aside until the matter is resolved. No formal request has been made by either club or country.
The case adds to a growing list of proceedings against footballers in Europe. In England, Manchester City’s Benjamin Mendy is awaiting retrial on charges of rape and sexual assault. In Spain, Barcelona’s Dani Alves is in pre-trial detention on similar accusations. Each case further erodes the sport’s credibility, particularly among younger fans who demand accountability.
As the legal process unfolds, the football world watches. The outcome of Hakimi’s trial will resonate beyond the confines of a courtroom, influencing perceptions of justice within the beautiful game.
