Paris St-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi issues statement ahead of rape trial
Paris St-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi has maintained his innocence in a public statement after a French court ordered the Moroccan international to stand trial on a rape charge.
The 27-year-old is accused of sexually assaulting a 24-year-old woman at his home in the Val-De-Marne region of Paris in February 2023.
He was subsequently placed under judicial supervision and legally banned from contacting his alleged victim, though he remained free to leave French territory.
An appeal against the initial trial order was recently rejected, ensuring the high-profile case will proceed in the coming months.
‘An easy target’
The full-back faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison if found guilty by the French judicial system.
Taking to social media platform X, the former Real Madrid and Inter Milan player expressed relief that he will finally be able to present his defence in court.
Justice looked me in the eyes and said to me: ‘If you weren’t famous, there never would have been a case.’
Today, a story that is not mine is being told at the expense of my family, my life, and above all, the truth.
I’ve been waiting for this trial since day one, and now I’m looking forward to it so I will finally be able to speak.
Lawyers welcome ‘consistent’ ruling
The plaintiff’s legal representative, Rachel-Flore Pardo, stated the investigating chamber’s decision aligns perfectly with the evidence gathered by authorities.
She noted that the ruling matches the formal opinions of the public prosecutor, the investigating judge, and the advocate general.
This decision brings my client relief and hope.
Pardo added that she hopes the upcoming legal proceedings will help further erode what she described as an environment of denial and impunity surrounding sexual violence in men’s football.
Champions League and World Cup exploits
Despite the severe nature of the allegations and ongoing legal proceedings, the defender has continued to feature prominently for both club and country.
He made 32 appearances during the 2025-26 campaign, helping his Parisian employers secure a domestic Ligue 1 title alongside lifting the prestigious Champions League trophy.
The international star is currently representing his nation at the 2026 World Cup.
After featuring in Morocco’s opening tournament fixture against Brazil, he is expected to take the pitch against Scotland later today.
