Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi has been ordered to stand trial for rape allegations following an investigation initiated by the Nanterre prosecutor’s office in 2023. The Morocco international was given preliminary charges in March 2023 after a 24-year-old woman accused him of sexual assault at his home in the Paris suburb of Boulogne-Billancourt on February 25, 2023.

Trial Details and Legal Timeline

Hakimi has consistently and vehemently denied all allegations, stating on social media that he “calmly awaits” the trial, believing it will allow “the truth to emerge publicly.” His lawyer, Fanny Colin, announced plans to appeal the trial order while emphasizing that the case relies solely on the plaintiff’s testimony without corroborating evidence.

Aspect	Information
Player Name	Achraf Hakimi (age 27)
Club	Paris Saint-Germain (vice-captain)
National Team	Morocco (captain)
Allegation Date	February 25, 2023
Accuser Age	24 years old (at time of incident)
Incident Location	Boulogne-Billancourt, Paris suburb
Investigation Opening	March 2023 (Nanterre prosecutor)
Preliminary Charges	March 2023
Trial Order Date	February 25, 2026
Trial Date	Not yet set
Lawyer Name	Fanny Colin
Appeal Status	Lawyer plans appeal

Allegations and Plaintiff’s Account

Detail	Information
How They Met	Instagram (January 2023)
Method of Travel	Taxi ordered by Hakimi
Alleged Actions	Kissing without consent, touching without consent, rape
Plaintiff’s Response	Managed to push him away, texted friend for pickup
Key Witness	Friend who picked her up
Medical Examination	Refused by plaintiff
DNA Testing	Refused by plaintiff
Mobile Phone Access	Refused by plaintiff
Witness Name	Refused to disclose by plaintiff

Hakimi’s Defense and Lawyer’s Arguments

Fanny Colin, Hakimi’s legal representative, presented a comprehensive defense strategy emphasizing investigation obstruction. She stated: “A trial has been ordered based on an accusation that rests solely on the word of a woman who obstructed all investigations, refused all medical examinations and DNA testing, refused access to her mobile phone, and refused to provide the name of a key witness.“

Colin further emphasized that two successive psychological assessments of the plaintiff “revealed a lack of clarity regarding the facts she claims to denounce, as well as the absence of any post-traumatic symptoms.” This argument forms a cornerstone of Hakimi’s defense strategy, suggesting inconsistencies in the plaintiff’s account.

Hakimi himself posted on social media: “Today, an accusation of rape is enough to justify a trial even though I contest it and everything demonstrates that it is false. This is as unjust to the innocent as it is to the genuine victims.”

Career Impact and Current Status

Hakimi has been a pivotal figure for PSG with 194 appearances and serves as vice-captain. The Spanish-born Moroccan international continues playing for the club while the legal proceedings advance. He is also captain of Morocco’s national squad.

PSG coach Luis Enrique addressed the situation, stating: “This matter is in the hands of the authorities,” indicating the club’s approach of separating sporting performance from legal proceedings. Hakimi remained in the squad for PSG’s Champions League playoff second-leg match against Monaco on February 26, 2026.

Plaintiff’s Perspective and MeToo Context

Rachel-Flore Pardo, representing the plaintiff, told the Associated Press that her client welcomed the trial order “with relief,” adding it “is fully consistent with the evidence in the file.” She criticized broader football industry practices, stating: “There are still environments where the Me Too movement has yet to break the sound barrier, chiefly in men’s professional football.”

Pardo’s statement emphasizes systemic issues within professional football regarding sexual misconduct allegations and institutional responses, positioning the case within broader conversations about athlete accountability.

Previous Statements from Hakimi

In a September 2025 interview with Canal+, Hakimi described the accusation as “the hardest thing that’s ever happened to me” and “the hardest blow I’ve ever suffered.”

He emphasized cooperating fully with authorities: “I asked to speak to the police, to explain my version. Always when they’ve needed me for anything… What’s more, they have my DNA. Whatever they needed, I was available, unlike the person accusing me, who didn’t make things easy.”

FAQs

When was the trial ordered for Achraf Hakimi?

The trial was ordered on February 25, 2026, following recommendations from the Nanterre prosecutor’s office last August. However, a specific trial date has not yet been set.

What are the charges against Achraf Hakimi?

Hakimi faces rape charges stemming from allegations that he assaulted a woman at his home in a Paris suburb. He has denied all allegations.

Why did the plaintiff refuse medical examination and DNA testing?

The plaintiff’s reasons for refusing medical examinations, DNA testing, and mobile phone access have not been publicly disclosed. Hakimi’s lawyer argues these refusals obstruct investigation.

Can Hakimi play while facing trial?

Yes, Hakimi continues playing for PSG as a defender and vice-captain. The French legal system allows him to continue professional activities pending trial resolution.

What is the appeal status of the trial order?

Hakimi’s lawyer Fanny Colin announced plans to appeal the judge’s decision ordering the trial, though the appeal process may not prevent the trial from proceeding.