Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi will face trial on charges of rape, French prosecutors announced Tuesday, February 24, 2026. The decision comes after an investigation into allegations made by a 24-year-old woman in February 2023. The case has sent ripples through the football world, raising questions about accountability and due process. This development in the Achraf Hakimi case marks a significant escalation in a legal battle that has unfolded over the past three years.
According to Hakimi’s lawyer, the player vehemently denies the accusations. He stated on X (formerly Twitter) that “an accusation of rape is enough to justify a trial even though I contest it and everything demonstrates that It’s false.” He expressed confidence that the trial would reveal the truth publicly. The alleged incident occurred while Hakimi’s wife and children were away on holiday, and the woman reportedly traveled to his home in Boulogne-Billancourt, a suburb of Paris, after connecting with him on Instagram.
Details of the Allegation and Investigation
The woman initially went to a police station in the Val-de-Marne department in February 2023 to report the alleged assault, but did not immediately file a formal complaint. Despite this, prosecutors moved forward with an investigation. A key aspect of the case, as highlighted by Hakimi’s lawyer, Me Fanny Colin, is the lack of forensic evidence. Colin stated that the accuser refused medical examinations, DNA testing, and access to her phone records, as well as declining to name a key witness. Le Monde reports that the woman alleged Hakimi initiated unwanted physical contact before the alleged rape.
Prosecutors sought the trial on Friday, August 1, 2025, according to reports from Le Monde. The Nanterre prosecutor’s office confirmed the request to Agence France-Presse (AFP), stating that the final decision rests with the investigating judge.
A Broader Context: Footballers and Legal Issues
This case is not isolated within the world of professional football. 20 Minutes highlights several other high-profile footballers who have faced similar accusations in recent years, including Dani Alves, Robinho, and Partey. These cases have sparked debate about the power dynamics between athletes and their accusers, and the challenges of investigating such allegations.
Hakimi’s Career and Current Status
Achraf Hakimi, 27, is a prominent figure in both club and international football. He currently plays as a right-back for Paris Saint-Germain and captains the Moroccan national team. He has become a vice-captain for PSG. He played a key role in PSG’s run to the Champions League final in May 2025, scoring the opening goal in their 5-0 victory over Inter Milan. He also led Morocco to a historic semi-final appearance at the 2022 World Cup. Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, Hakimi continues to participate in matches for PSG, though his future with the club remains uncertain pending the outcome of the trial.
The prosecution’s decision to pursue a trial underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the commitment to investigating such cases thoroughly. The lack of concrete evidence presented by the prosecution, as emphasized by Hakimi’s legal team, will likely be a central point of contention during the trial. The case is expected to draw significant media attention, given Hakimi’s high profile and the sensitive nature of the accusations. The trial date has not yet been set.
The next step in the legal process is for the investigating judge to determine whether to proceed with the trial. Further updates will be provided as they become available from the Nanterre prosecutor’s office and Hakimi’s legal representatives. Those following the case can identify official updates through French legal news sources and PSG’s official communications.
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual assault, resources are available. You can contact the RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE, or visit their website at https://www.rainn.org.
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