Paris Saint-Germain and Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi has officially been sent to trial over a 2023 rape allegation, marking the most significant development in the case yet.
French prosecutors in Nanterre have referred the 27-year-old to the cour criminelle for proceedings related to accusations that he raped a young woman at his home in February 2023. Hakimi has always denied the allegation and publicly rejected the claim as false.
🔎 What Happened
- The case dates back to early 2023, when a 24-year-old woman went to police and later reported that Hakimi assaulted her after meeting him through social media.
- A judicial investigation followed, with Hakimi placed under formal investigation and released under judicial supervision.
- On 24 February 2026, the prosecutor’s office confirmed that he has been sent to trial before the criminal court of Hauts-de-Seine.
🗣 Hakimi’s Response
Hakimi took to X (formerly Twitter) to deny the allegations, saying an accusation should not by itself mean guilt and declaring his confidence that a public trial will “allow the truth to come out.” He called the situation “unjust for the innocent as well as for genuine victims.”
📍 What This Means
- Formal trial proceedings will now be scheduled, though no definitive date has been set yet.
- In France, being sent to trial is not a conviction — it means the case is strong enough under legal standards to be examined in court.
- If convicted, statutes related to rape can carry significant prison sentences, though the outcome and penalties will be determined by the court during trial.
This is a developing legal story with major implications for both Hakimi’s career and wider discussions around high-profile cases in sport and law. I can provide more detail on the legal process in France or reactions from PSG and fans if you’d like.
