Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Morocco international defender Achraf Hakimi has publicly addressed, for the first time, the rape allegations that have trailed him for more than a year. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Foot Africa, the 25-year-old right-back firmly denied any wrongdoing and insisted that he remains “calm” despite the case being pushed towards trial by French authorities.
The Nanterre prosecutor’s office recently confirmed its request for Hakimi to stand trial over accusations that he sexually assaulted a 24-year-old woman in March 2023. The case has been a major talking point both in France and internationally, given Hakimi’s high-profile status as one of the most talented defenders in world football and a key figure in Morocco’s historic run to the 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-finals.
“I am calm. Being falsely accused is horrible, unfair. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. I know the truth will come out,” Hakimi told Foot Africa. “I have nothing to blame myself for, and those who know me are aware of that. I remain composed and focus on the important things in my life, namely family and football. As I said, the truth will come out.”
Allegations and Background
The allegations date back to an incident said to have occurred in March 2023, when Hakimi was accused of raping a young woman at his residence in Boulogne-Billancourt, a suburb of Paris. Reports from French media claim that the woman had travelled to Hakimi’s home while his wife, actress Hiba Abouk, and their children were away on holiday.
According to investigators, the alleged meeting was arranged through social media communication. Hakimi, it is alleged, paid for his accuser’s transportation to the location. She later reported the matter to police, leading to a formal investigation and Hakimi being placed under judicial supervision.
Hakimi, through his legal representatives, has consistently denied the allegations since they first surfaced. His camp has maintained that the encounter was consensual and that the charges are “entirely fabricated.”
Legal Developments
The case has seen a number of procedural steps over the past year, with French prosecutors gathering statements and reviewing evidence. In early August 2025, the Nanterre prosecutor’s office officially requested that the case proceed to trial—a development that has renewed media attention and public debate.
A final decision on whether to open a full trial will be made by an investigative judge, who will consider the prosecutor’s recommendations alongside the evidence gathered. If the trial proceeds, it will place Hakimi in the difficult position of balancing his football career with court proceedings.
Legal experts note that the request for trial does not in itself imply guilt but signals that prosecutors believe there is sufficient evidence for a court to hear the case. French law allows for both sides to present their case extensively during trial, with cross-examinations and witness testimonies playing a central role.
Hakimi’s Response and Public Image
Until now, Hakimi had refrained from making any detailed public comment about the case, choosing instead to let his legal team handle communications. However, his recent remarks reflect a readiness to address the allegations directly—albeit briefly.
Observers suggest that Hakimi’s decision to speak publicly may be aimed at reassuring fans, teammates, and the Moroccan public ahead of what could be a lengthy legal battle. His comments also align with a growing trend of public figures taking a proactive stance in defending their reputation when facing serious allegations.
Despite the controversy, Hakimi has continued to perform at a high level for PSG and the Moroccan national team. His appearances on the pitch have drawn both cheers and scrutiny, with sections of the footballing public debating whether ongoing legal troubles should impact a player’s participation in professional competitions.
Impact on Career and Club
For Paris Saint-Germain, the situation presents a delicate challenge. While the club has not issued any recent official statement regarding the latest developments, it is understood that they are monitoring the case closely. Clubs in such situations often have to weigh the principle of presumption of innocence against reputational risks, commercial considerations, and public opinion.
Hakimi remains under contract with PSG, where he has been a standout performer since joining from Inter Milan in 2021. His pace, technical ability, and attacking threat from the right flank have been crucial to the club’s domestic and European campaigns.
In Morocco, Hakimi enjoys a near-iconic status, having played a pivotal role in the Atlas Lions’ historic World Cup run in Qatar, where they became the first African nation to reach the semi-finals. His case has sparked widespread interest and debate among Moroccan fans and in the broader African football community.
Legal and Social Context
The case also feeds into broader conversations about sexual assault allegations involving high-profile athletes. In recent years, several prominent footballers have faced similar accusations, prompting renewed calls for clear protocols, fair investigations, and balanced media coverage that does not compromise either the accuser’s or the accused’s rights.
Human rights advocates stress the importance of due process, noting that both false accusations and the failure to address genuine cases can cause lasting damage. Legal analysts emphasize that under French law, a person remains innocent until proven guilty, and any public discourse must respect that principle.
The Road Ahead
If the court confirms a trial, proceedings could extend over many months, possibly overlapping with key stages of PSG’s season and Morocco’s international fixtures. Such a scenario would place Hakimi in the spotlight for reasons far beyond his footballing exploits.
For now, the defender insists his focus remains on his family and his career, while trusting the judicial process to “bring out the truth.” His brief but firm public denial suggests he is prepared to defend himself vigorously in court if it comes to that.
As the case unfolds, it will test the resilience of one of Africa’s most celebrated football stars and could become one of the most closely watched legal battles in European sport. Whether it ends in conviction, acquittal, or dismissal, the outcome will have far-reaching implications—not just for Hakimi’s career but also for public perceptions of justice in high-profile sexual assault cases.
For Hakimi, the coming months will determine not only his legal fate but also the trajectory of a football career that has, until now, been defined by speed, skill, and historic achievements on the global stage.
