Join on WhatsApp
Join on Telegram
Rabat – The rape allegations that have followed Achraf Hakimi since 2023 have returned to the spotlight again, at some of the most significant moments of the Paris Saint-Germain right-back’s footballing journey.
The latest development has reignited discussions among supporters and observers, who note that renewed attention to the case has repeatedly coincided with some of the most important moments of Hakimi’s career.
A French court recently confirmed that the Moroccan star will stand trial.
Former Nigeria international Garba Lawal openly questioned the timing of the renewed focus.
“I don’t understand why this comes up at this stage. It could be a distraction for him,” Lawal told Footy-Africa. “If someone is playing in the World Cup, let him finish the tournament first. No one knows the full truth, and he has the chance to clear his name.”
Lawal emphasized that allegations should not replace justice and argued that players should be allowed to represent their countries without unnecessary distractions until legal proceedings run their course.
Before nearly every pivotal milestone that led to a major achievement in Hakimi’s career, the allegations resurfaced, raising a huge question mark among observers and fans alike. Why did this case emerge at those specific moments? Why not during the off-season? Why not while he was recovering from an injury? Why then? Why when he was on the verge of achieving something significant in his career?
The allegations have resurfaced during several key moments: his nomination for the Ballon d’Or, his candidacy for the Prix Marc-Vivien Foé – awarded annually to the best African player in Ligue 1 – discussions surrounding the African Ballon d’Or, Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League campaign, and now the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Today, Hakimi is enjoying arguably the finest period of his career. He is leading Morocco at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and arrives fresh from winning a second consecutive UEFA Champions League title with Paris Saint-Germain. Yet, the rape allegations that first emerged in 2023 have once again returned to the spotlight.
Standing trial is an opportunity, not a determination of guilt
Last week, a French court said that the Moroccan star will stand trial, a decision that his lawyer, Fanny Colin, described as expected and not a determination of guilt. “Nothing here says that he is guilty of anything,” she stressed, adding that Hakimi remains firm in his defense and is eager to present his version of events in court, finally.
For Hakimi, the decision represents an opportunity rather than a setback.
“Justice looked me in the eye and told me: ‘If you weren’t a public figure, there would never have been a case,'” the Morocco captain wrote, expressing frustration over what he believes has become a burden linked to his celebrity status.
The 27-year-old said he deliberately chose silence over the past three years, trusting the judicial process and hoping that patience and dignity would allow the truth to prevail.
“Today, a story that is not mine is being told at the expense of my family, my life, and above all, the truth,” Hakimi said. “I have been waiting for this trial since day one. And now, I am looking forward to it. At last, I will be able to speak.”
Hakimi’s defense points to contradictions
Hakimi’s legal team insists that the investigation uncovered several elements favorable to the player and argues that similar cases would have been dismissed.
According to his lawyer, the complainant refused medical examinations and DNA tests, declined to have her mobile phone examined, and did not provide the identity of a key witness. The defense has also pointed to alleged inconsistencies in statements and messages revealed during the investigation.
French newspaper L’Équipe reported that messages exchanged by people close to the complainant raised questions about possible attempts to manage or erase digital evidence. Hakimi’s lawyers have argued that such elements deserve careful consideration by the court.
Throughout the process, Hakimi has repeatedly denied the accusations.
“I know I have done nothing and I would never do that,” he said in a previous interview. “It hurts my family and my children. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.”
The importance of the presumption of innocence
Many supporters have also recalled the case of former Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy, whose career suffered significantly during years of legal proceedings before he was eventually acquitted of the most serious charges.
While the two cases are different and each must be judged on its own facts, the comparison has fueled broader debates about the consequences public accusations and media narratives can have before courts reach a final verdict.
As the judicial process moves forward, the Moroccan captain continues to do what he has throughout his career: by answering on the pitch.
With Morocco aiming for another historic World Cup run and Hakimi recognized by many as the world’s best right-back, the Atlas Lions captain says he is finally ready for the opportunity to tell his side of the story and clear his name.
