A French appeals court has ruled that Moroccan international footballer and Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi should stand trial over an alleged rape case dating back to 2023.
The decision, delivered on Friday by the Versailles Court of Appeal, upholds earlier judicial findings that the case should proceed to a criminal court for full examination. Hakimi, however, continues to reject the allegations and maintains that he committed no offence.
The case stems from a complaint filed in February 2023 by a 24-year-old woman who accused the football star of sexually assaulting her at his residence in the Paris suburbs.
Hakimi, who currently serves as captain of Morocco’s national team and remains a key figure for PSG, has repeatedly insisted on his innocence throughout the legal process.
Following the court’s ruling, the player reacted on X, stating that he had been eager for the matter to reach trial.
“I’ve been waiting for this trial since day one. At last, I’ll be able to speak.”
Authorities have not yet announced a date for the criminal proceedings.
Responding to the decision, Hakimi’s lawyer, Fanny Colin, said the ruling was not unexpected and stressed that it should not be interpreted as a determination of guilt.
According to her, the footballer remains committed to proving his innocence when the matter is heard before the court.
On the other side, Rachel-Flore Pardo, the lawyer representing the complainant, welcomed the decision, saying it provided reassurance and renewed confidence to her client as the legal process moves forward.
Investigators previously reported that the complainant alleged she first connected with Hakimi through Instagram in January 2023. She later travelled to his home using a taxi that she claimed had been arranged by the player.
According to statements made to police, the woman alleged that Hakimi kissed and touched her without consent before forcing himself on her. She further claimed that she managed to resist and contact a friend by text message, who subsequently came to collect her.
In comments published by investigative outlet Mediapart on Thursday, the woman—identified under the pseudonym “Jeanne”—spoke publicly about the case for the first time.
She said her primary objective was to have the opportunity to present her account in court and be heard.
“I want to explain myself. I want people to believe me.”
The upcoming trial is expected to draw significant public attention, given Hakimi’s profile as one of Africa’s most prominent footballers and his ongoing participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with Morocco.
