French legal authorities have recommended that Moroccan footballer and Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi stand trial on charges of rape involving a 24-year-old woman in an incident that reportedly took place in 2023, a claim the footballer has consistently denied.
According to a statement issued by the Nanterre prosecutor’s office to AFP on Friday, the prosecution has requested the investigating judge to move the case forward to a criminal court for trial. However, it is now within the judge’s discretion to determine whether the case proceeds based on the current findings.
The 26-year-old player has recently been a prominent figure in PSG’s historic UEFA Champions League victory, even scoring the opening goal during the 5-0 final triumph against Inter Milan. He also played a crucial role in Morocco’s impressive run to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup, making history for both African and Arab football.
The charge dates back to March 2023, when Hakimi was formally accused of raping a woman at his residence in Boulogne-Billancourt, a suburb of Paris, on February 25. The woman, despite not filing a formal complaint, approached the police and shared details of the encounter, prompting prosecutors to press charges independently.
She claimed the two first connected on Instagram in January of that year, and that Hakimi had arranged and paid for a taxi to bring her to his home. According to the police report at the time, the woman alleged that Hakimi initiated unwanted physical contact and went on to sexually assault her. She said she was eventually able to get away and text a friend, who later picked her up.
Responding to the prosecutors’ latest move, Hakimi’s lawyer, Fanny Colin, called the development “incomprehensible and senseless in light of the case’s elements.” She reiterated that both she and her client remain composed and will pursue every legal channel should the judge decide to proceed with a trial.
Meanwhile, the woman’s legal representative, Rachel-Flore Pardo, expressed satisfaction with the prosecutors’ decision, describing it as a significant moment for her client, who had been awaiting developments since the allegations came to light.
Hakimi, who was born in Madrid, began his professional journey at Real Madrid’s academy before transferring to Borussia Dortmund in 2018. After notable performances there, he moved to Inter Milan in 2020 and then joined PSG the following year, where he has become an essential part of the team.
What You Should Know
Achraf Hakimi, a celebrated PSG and Moroccan international footballer, may face trial after French prosecutors urged the case to proceed to court over a rape allegation stemming from 2023.
While the accusation remains contested and no formal complaint was filed by the woman, authorities pursued charges based on her statements. The final decision now lies with the investigating magistrate.
