Achraf Hakimi will be tried for rape in France after the Versailles Court of Appeal rejected his defense’s appeal against the prosecution order. The decision was communicated to the Moroccan captain hours before playing his second match in the 2026 World Cup, in which his team secured a place in the knockout phase.
The investigation originated in February 2023, when a 24-year-old woman reported that the footballer raped her at his home in Paris. According to his testimony, the meeting occurred the night before a match between PSG and Olympique de Marseille and the sexual relationship occurred without his consent.
“I have been waiting for this trial since day one and now I look forward to it. Finally I will be able to speak”wrote the player, who continues to focus on his team in the 2026 World Cup.
Hakimi has rejected the accusations and maintains that everything happened consensually. His defense also claims that the complainant tried to extort him and questions some aspects of the investigation carried out by the French authorities.
The trial could also include the testimony of Kylian Mbappé, Hakimi’s former teammate at PSG. The French forward testified to the police about conversations he had with the Moroccan after the events, although he later clarified part of his initial statements.
After confirming that he will be tried, Hakimi reacted with an extensive message published on his social networks. The footballer assured that he waited for years for the opportunity to publicly defend himself in court.
The Moroccan captain stated that he decided to remain silent to trust the judicial process and regretted the impact that the case has had on his family, his personal life and his public image.