Achraf Hakimi: Paris St-Germain defender to face trial after rape allegation
BBC World
February 24, 2026
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Achraf Hakimi, a Paris St-Germain defender and Moroccan national team player, is set to face trial after a 24-year-old woman accused him of raping her at his home in Paris in 2023. Hakimi has denied the allegations, calling the legal process unjust for both innocent individuals and genuine victims. The public prosecutor's office in Nanterre initiated a preliminary investigation in March 2023, though no trial date has been scheduled yet. Hakimi expressed frustration with the system, stating that the mere accusation is enough to warrant a trial, which he believes undermines the rights of both the accused and the accusers.
Hakimi's case has drawn significant attention due to his prominence in global football. The 27-year-old, born in Spain but representing Morocco, has been instrumental in PSG's success, including winning the Champions League and Ligue 1 titles last season. He was also a key player for Morocco during their historic run to the World Cup semi-finals in 2022, becoming the first African team to achieve that feat. Recently honored at the Best FIFA Football Awards, Hakimi was named in the Fifa Men's World Team of the Year and celebrated with a ceremony in Paris.
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/24/2026