Boluwatife Kehinde
Paris Saint-Germain star Achraf Hakimi says he remains confident that the truth will eventually clear his name, as he continues to face a looming rape trial in France.
The 26-year-old Morocco international is under investigation after being accused of raping a 24-year-old woman he allegedly met on social media. Last month, French prosecutors called for the case to be referred to a criminal court, intensifying the scrutiny around the defender.
Speaking in an interview with journalist Mouloud Achour for Canal+’s Clique programme, Hakimi firmly denied the accusations. “I know that what I am accused of is a lie,” he said in Spanish. “I know that I haven’t done anything, and that I would never do that. Today, I have peace of mind, hoping that the truth will soon be revealed.”
The Madrid-born right-back, who played a central role in Morocco’s memorable run to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, was charged in March 2023. According to investigators, he invited the young woman to his home in Boulogne-Billancourt on February 25, 2023, while his then-wife and children were away on holiday.
The woman later went to a police station alleging rape. Although she refused to file a formal complaint, prosecutors decided to pursue the case, formally charging Hakimi with rape.
The PSG defender, who has since divorced, has consistently denied the claims, insisting that he is the victim of an attempted extortion. His lawyers have also criticised the prosecution’s decision to press ahead with the case despite the absence of a formal complaint.
On August 1, the Nanterre prosecutor’s office confirmed that it had asked the investigating judge to refer Hakimi’s case to a criminal court. A trial date has yet to be set, but the request signals that the case may soon proceed.
For now, Hakimi says he remains focused on football while placing his trust in the legal process. “I know who I am,” he said in the interview. “The truth will come out, and when it does, I will be cleared.”
