Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) defender Achraf Hakimi will stand trial in France on rape charges after a three-year judicial investigation concluded on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, with a formal referral to the Hauts-de-Seine criminal court.
The case stems from an allegation made in February 2023 by a then 24-year-old woman who told police in the Val-de-Marne region southeast of Paris that Hakimi had raped her at his home after the two connected via Instagram. The Nanterre prosecutor’s office launched a preliminary investigation days later, and Hakimi was formally charged in March 2023. He was placed under judicial supervision but continued playing throughout the process.
The 27-year-old Moroccan captain, who played a key role in PSG’s Champions League triumph last season, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. On Tuesday, he addressed the trial order in a statement posted to X, saying the accusation rested on false grounds and that he was confident the court would vindicate him. His lawyer, Fanny Colin, confirmed the referral to AFP but said she intends to appeal the judge’s decision. Colin noted the trial was ordered solely on the basis of the complainant’s word, given that the plaintiff had declined medical examinations, DNA testing, access to her phone, and had refused to identify a key witness.
The plaintiff’s lawyer, Rachel-Flore Pardo, welcomed the development, describing it as consistent with the evidence on file and a relief for her client.
No trial date has been set. PSG coach Luis Enrique, speaking at a press conference ahead of the club’s UEFA Champions League play-off second leg against Monaco on Wednesday, declined to comment on the matter, saying only that it was in the hands of the authorities.
Hakimi attended training on Tuesday and is expected to be available for selection against Monaco.
