PSG Star Achraf Hakimi to Stand Trial Over Rape Allegation

Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi will stand trial in France over an alleged rape dating back to 2023 after the country’s highest court rejected his final appeal.

France’s Court of Cassation on Wednesday upheld the decision to send the 27-year-old footballer before a criminal court over the allegation. Hakimi has consistently denied the accusation.

The case dates back to February 2023, when a 24-year-old woman reported to police that Hakimi had raped her at his home in the Paris suburb of Boulogne-Billancourt.

Hakimi was subsequently charged with rape and has maintained his innocence throughout the legal proceedings.

In February 2026, an investigating judge ordered him to stand trial. Hakimi challenged the decision, but the Versailles Court of Appeal confirmed the referral on June 19, during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Hakimi then appealed to the Court of Cassation, France’s highest court for civil and criminal matters. The court rejected that appeal on Wednesday, leaving no further legal avenue to challenge the referral to trial.

Following the June ruling, Hakimi said he welcomed the opportunity to present his side of the story.

“Today, a story that isn’t mine is being told at the expense of my family, my life, and above all, the truth. Sometimes I feel like I’ve become an easy target,” he wrote on X.

“I’ve been waiting for this trial since day one. And now I’m looking forward to it. Finally, I’ll be able to speak out.”

The plaintiff’s lawyer, Rachel-Flore Pardo, said her client remained determined to pursue the case and obtain justice. Hakimi’s lawyer, Fanny Colin, did not immediately respond to requests for comment following Wednesday’s ruling.

A date for the trial has not yet been announced. Hakimi has continued his football career with PSG and Morocco while the legal proceedings have been ongoing.