Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi could face a prison sentence if formally found guilty of rape.
Paris Saint-Germain star defender Achraf Hakimi may face up to 15 years in prison if he is formally indicted and later convicted on charges of rape, following a recent legal development initiated by French prosecutors.
The ongoing case stems from an incident that reportedly occurred in early 2023. According to multiple sources, the Nanterre prosecutor’s office has formally requested that the investigating magistrate advance the case to a criminal court, which would signal the start of official judicial proceedings. In a statement released by the prosecutor’s office, officials emphasized that the final decision now lies with the investigating judge, who must determine whether there is sufficient evidence to move forward with a trial.
“The matter is now in the hands of the investigating magistrate, who will assess the case and issue a decision in accordance with legal procedures,” the statement said.
Achraf Hakimi a Football Icon
Hakimi, who is 26 years old, has been one of PSG’s most influential players in recent seasons. He was instrumental in Paris Saint-Germain’s historic run to their first-ever UEFA Champions League title, notably scoring the opening goal in their commanding 5–0 victory over Inter Milan in the final held in May. On the international stage, Hakimi gained global recognition after playing a pivotal role in Morocco’s remarkable journey to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar — the first time an African or Arab nation had reached that stage of the tournament.
The rape accusation against Achraf Hakimi was first made public in March 2023. French authorities charged the footballer with the alleged sexual assault of a 24-year-old woman, who claimed that the incident took place on February 25, 2023, at Hakimi’s residence in Boulogne-Billancourt, a suburb of Paris. Reports suggest that the footballer arranged and paid for her transportation to his home, while his wife and children were away on holiday.
The woman later went to a police station and accused Hakimi of non-consensual sexual activity. Although she chose not to file an official complaint at the time, French prosecutors moved forward with the case independently, citing the seriousness of the allegations and the evidence they had collected. According to information from a police source, the woman met Achraf Hakimi on Instagram in January 2023. On the night of the alleged incident, she claimed Hakimi initiated unwanted sexual advances, including kissing her and attempting further contact without her consent, before allegedly raping her.
She told authorities that she managed to break free and contacted a friend who later came to pick her up. Her testimony has been central to the prosecution’s case.
Achraf Hakimi’s Defense Attorney’s Reaction
Following the recent request from prosecutors to escalate the matter to a criminal trial, Achraf Hakimi’s defense attorney, Fanny Colin, strongly criticized the move. She described the prosecution’s recommendation as both “incomprehensible” and “baseless,” arguing that the evidence presented does not support the charge. Colin further emphasized that Hakimi and his legal team remain composed and confident as the case progresses.
“We have remained calm and collected from the very beginning of this process,” she stated. “Should the judge choose to follow the prosecution’s request, we will not hesitate to explore every legal avenue available to us in appeal.”
On the other hand, the legal representative for the alleged victim, Rachel-Flore Pardo, welcomed the latest development. She noted that her client was greatly relieved by the possibility of the case moving forward to court and expressed hope that justice would be served.
Born in Madrid to Moroccan parents, Achraf Hakimi rose through the youth ranks at Real Madrid before making his professional debut. In 2018, he transferred to German club Borussia Dortmund, where he made 73 appearances and became a regular starter. He later joined Inter Milan in 2020, helping the Italian club to a Serie A title, before signing with Paris Saint-Germain in 2021. Since arriving in Paris, Hakimi has become a vital part of PSG’s defense, known for his pace, technical skill, and versatility on the right flank.
Despite his success on the pitch, this legal case casts a long shadow over his career, and the outcome of the judicial proceedings could have far-reaching implications both personally and professionally for the Moroccan international.
