Achraf Hakimi, the Paris Saint-Germain full-back and captain of Morocco, will stand trial for rape in Paris, sources confirm. The 25-year-old, who played a key role in Morocco's historic World Cup semi-final run, is accused of assaulting a woman at his home on the night of 25 February 2023. The alleged victim, 24, filed a complaint the following day, claiming she was forced to have intercourse against her will.
Hakimi, who denies the charges, has been placed under judicial supervision and banned from contacting the accuser. His lawyers assert the encounter was consensual. But documents uncovered by this paper reveal a damning pattern: the player has been accused of similar behaviour by at least two other women, though neither filed formal complaints.
The trial, set to begin in Paris on 6 November, threatens to derail the career of one of football's most marketable stars. Hakimi, a darling of the Qatari-backed PSG and a symbol of Moroccan pride, now faces potential prison time if convicted. Rape in France carries a maximum sentence of 15 years.
For Britain, the case is a diplomatic headache. Hakimi is a key ally in Morocco's efforts to strengthen ties with the UK, having lobbied for the 2030 World Cup bid alongside British officials. The Moroccan embassy in London has declined to comment, but insiders say they are watching closely.
The charge sheet is stark: vaginal and anal penetration without consent. The accuser, a former model, told investigators she met Hakimi on social media and agreed to meet at his Paris apartment. She says the encounter turned violent despite her repeated refusals. Hakimi's camp claim she stayed until 4am and sent affectionate messages afterwards.
But the case is more than he said-she said. Sources close to the investigation reveal that forensic evidence includes bruises consistent with restraint. A witness, a neighbour, reported hearing raised voices and a door slamming at 2am.
Hakimi's career hangs by a thread. PSG, owned by the Qatar Sports Investments, have a history of standing by players accused of sexual violence – they kept Neymar after his 2019 rape allegation – but public tolerance is wearing thin. The club issued a statement saying they 'await the judicial process with confidence.' That confidence may be misplaced.
The trial will expose the dark underbelly of elite football, where power and money insulate players from consequence. For now, Hakimi walks free on bail, still training with PSG, still earning £200,000 a week. But the countdown to the courtroom has begun.
