The renowned Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) footballer, Achraf Hakimi, finds himself embroiled in a serious legal battle after French prosecutors formally requested his trial for the alleged rape of a 24-year-old woman in 2023. The incident, which Hakimi vehemently denies, allegedly occurred at his home in Boulogne-Billancourt, a Parisian suburb, while his wife and children were away on holiday. The prosecution’s request now rests with the investigating magistrate, who will decide whether to proceed with a criminal trial. This development marks a significant escalation in the case, which began in March 2023 after the woman reported the alleged assault to the police.
The accusations against Hakimi paint a disturbing picture of a non-consensual sexual encounter. The alleged victim claims she initially connected with Hakimi through Instagram in January 2023. On the night of the alleged incident, February 25th, she accepted Hakimi’s offer to pay for a taxi to his residence. Upon arrival, she alleges that Hakimi initiated unwanted physical advances, including kissing and ultimately rape. The woman asserts that she managed to escape the situation by texting a friend who subsequently picked her up. While the woman initially refrained from filing a formal complaint, the prosecution chose to pursue charges based on the evidence and her initial statements.
Hakimi and his legal team maintain his innocence and denounce the prosecution’s decision as baseless. His lawyer, Fanny Colin, expressed bewilderment at the request for trial, citing a lack of supporting evidence and characterizing the situation as an “incomprehensible and senseless” development. She further asserted that Hakimi is the victim of an attempted extortion and plans to vigorously contest any further legal proceedings. This claim adds another layer of complexity to the case, raising questions about the motives behind the accusation and the potential for ulterior intentions.
Conversely, the alleged victim’s lawyer, Rachel-Flore Pardo, welcomed the prosecution’s decision with relief, emphasizing her client’s continued bravery and resilience. She explicitly rejected the extortion allegations leveled by Hakimi’s lawyer, emphasizing that nothing in the case supports such claims. Pardo also voiced strong concerns about potential smear campaigns and attempts to destabilize her client, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by women who come forward with allegations of sexual assault. This clash of narratives further intensifies the already contentious legal battle, underscoring the deeply contrasting perspectives of the two parties involved.
The case against Hakimi stands in stark contrast to his celebrated football career. The talented full-back has played a pivotal role in PSG’s success, notably scoring the opening goal in their triumphant 2023 Champions League final victory against Inter Milan. He also represented Morocco, his country of heritage, with distinction at the 2022 World Cup, contributing significantly to their historic semi-final run. His rise from humble beginnings—born to Moroccan immigrant parents in Getafe, Spain—to football stardom adds another dimension to the story. He honed his skills in Real Madrid’s youth academy before making his mark at Borussia Dortmund and later Inter Milan. His transfer to PSG solidified his status as a prominent figure in the world of football.
The accusations and ongoing legal proceedings present a significant threat to Hakimi’s career and public image. The outcome of this case will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications, impacting not only his personal life but also his standing within the footballing community and beyond. The allegations of rape are serious and, if proven in court, could lead to significant penalties, including imprisonment and a permanent stain on his reputation. As the legal process unfolds, the world watches, awaiting the magistrate’s decision and the subsequent proceedings that will ultimately determine the fate of this high-profile footballer. The case underscores the serious nature of sexual assault allegations and highlights the ongoing challenges faced by both accusers and the accused in navigating the complexities of the legal system.
