A French appeals court has ordered Moroccan footballer Achraf Hakimi to stand trial over allegations that he raped a 24-year-old woman in 2023, a charge he denies.
The ruling means Hakimi, a right-back for Paris Saint-Germain and captain of Morocco’s national team, will face proceedings at the criminal court in Hauts-de-Seine. A trial date has not yet been set. Hakimi responded on X shortly after the decision, writing: “At last, I’ll be able to speak. I’ve been waiting for this trial since day one.”
The woman, who met Hakimi on Instagram in January 2023, told police she was assaulted after visiting his home in Paris. She said she managed to push him away and text a friend, who came to pick her up. Speaking publicly for the first time under the pseudonym “Jeanne,” she said: “I want to defend myself, to be heard. I want people to believe me.”
Hakimi’s lawyer, Fanny Colin, said the confirmation of trial was expected and stressed that the player remains steadfast in his defense. The plaintiff’s lawyer, Rachel-Flore Pardo, said the decision brought her client “relief and hope.”
The case has drawn global attention, not only because of Hakimi’s prominence in football but also due to broader debates about sexual violence and accountability in sports.
On social media, reactions were divided. One fan wrote: “Hakimi deserves his day in court. Let justice decide.” Another posted: “Too many athletes hide behind fame. If guilty, he must face consequences.”
Policy commentators weighed in on the wider implications. “This case underscores the need for stronger protections for women and accountability in sports institutions,” said Paris-based analyst Claire Dubois.
Football associations have also been watching closely. A North African sports official noted: “Hakimi is a national icon, but the integrity of the game requires transparency. The trial will be critical for public trust.”
Fans in Morocco expressed mixed feelings. “We love Hakimi for what he’s done on the pitch, but off the pitch, the truth must come out,” said Casablanca supporter Youssef Benali.
Stakeholders in women’s rights advocacy stressed the importance of the trial. “Every survivor deserves to be heard. This case is about more than football—it’s about justice,” said activist Mariam Diallo.
The trial is expected to be one of the most closely watched legal proceedings involving a football star in recent years, with implications for both Hakimi’s career and broader conversations about sexual assault in sports.
