Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi to stand trial for rape

Morocco’s national team captain, Achraf Hakimi, is set to face trial on charges of rape, according to French prosecutors. The accusation stems from an alleged incident that occurred in 2023 at Hakimi’s residence in Paris, involving a woman who was 24 years old at the time. The case has drawn significant attention given Hakimi’s prominence as both a professional footballer and a key member of the Moroccan national team.

French authorities initiated a preliminary investigation into the matter in March 2023, following the victim’s formal complaint. An investigating judge later ruled in February 2026 that a trial would proceed, despite Hakimi’s attempt to dismiss the case. According to reports, the 27-year-old defender has consistently denied the allegations. His legal team has not publicly commented on the specifics of the case beyond confirming his intent to defend himself in court.

Hakimi expressed his feelings about the situation on social media, stating that he had chosen to remain silent for years, believing that patience and trust in the justice system would yield fair outcomes. However, he now feels that his personal life and family have been unfairly scrutinized. “I’ve been waiting for this trial since day one,” he wrote. “Finally, I’ll be able to speak.”

The victim’s attorney, Rachel-Flore Pardo, welcomed the decision to proceed with the trial. She emphasized that the process would provide her client with a platform to be heard and potentially offer hope to others facing similar situations. “This trial will help other women and further weaken the wall of denial and impunity surrounding sexual violence, including in the world of men’s football,” she stated.

Despite the upcoming trial, a specific date has not yet been determined. Meanwhile, Hakimi remains focused on his role with the Moroccan national team, which is currently participating in the FIFA World Cup. All three of Morocco’s group stage matches are taking place in the United States, where the team is based. However, if Morocco advances to the knockout rounds, Hakimi might encounter challenges regarding travel restrictions. This follows the recent case of Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey, who was denied entry into Canada for the World Cup after being charged with multiple counts of rape and sexual assault. Partey, who also faces a trial next year, is currently pleading not guilty to the allegations.

The World Cup is being hosted across the three co-host nations—United States, Canada, and Mexico—until the quarterfinal stage, after which all subsequent matches will be held exclusively in the U.S. Given the potential implications of the trial on Hakimi’s ability to travel internationally, the outcome of his legal proceedings could impact his participation in future matches, particularly if they are held outside the U.S.

Hakimi has represented Morocco in 97 international appearances, making his debut in 2016 at the age of 17. He played a crucial role in leading Morocco to its historic semifinal appearance in the 2022 World Cup, marking the first time an African nation reached that stage. Since joining Paris Saint-Germain from Inter Milan in 2021, Hakimi has contributed to numerous successes, including securing back-to-back UEFA Champions League titles with the club over the past two seasons. His career has been marked by consistent performance and leadership on the field, adding weight to the gravity of the current legal challenge he faces.