Moroccan football star Hakimi to face rape trial in Paris

A French appeals court has ruled that Moroccan footballer Achraf Hakimi will stand trial over an alleged rape case from 2023. Hakimi, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), denies the accusation.

In February 2023, a 24-year-old woman told police that Hakimi raped her at his home near Paris.

Hakimi has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. After the court’s decision, he posted on X, saying he had been waiting for the trial since the beginning.

“At last, I’ll be able to speak,” he wrote.

The date for the trial has not yet been announced.

Hakimi’s lawyer, Fanny Colin, said the ruling was expected and stressed that it does not mean her client is guilty.

“He remains firm in his defence,” she said.

The woman’s lawyer, Rachel-Flore Pardo, welcomed the decision, saying it brought her client relief and hope.

According to investigators, the woman said she met Hakimi on Instagram in January 2023 and later visited his home in a taxi arranged by the footballer. She alleged that Hakimi kissed and touched her without her consent before raping her.

She said she managed to push him away and sent a message to a friend, who later came to pick her up.

Speaking publicly for the first time in an interview with Mediapart, the woman, who used the name “Jeanne,” said she wanted the case to go to trial so her voice could be heard.

“I want to explain myself. I want people to believe me,” she said.