Achraf Hakimi faces rape trial as Morocco shields star amid World Cup

Moroccan international and PSG full‑back Achraf Hakimi is set to appear before a French criminal court on charges of rape. The case stems from a 2023 investigation after a young woman, whom Hakimi met via Instagram, accused him of sexual assault. After his appeal was rejected by the Versailles court, a trial will proceed.

Hakimi, who captains Morocco at the World Cup and has helped the team reach the knockout stage, said the justice system singled him out because of his fame, quoting: “The justice system looked me in the eye and said, ‘If you were not famous, there would never have been a case.’” The Moroccan federation and teammates have reportedly shielded the player from media scrutiny, urging him to focus on the tournament.

The legal proceedings could affect Hakimi’s participation in upcoming matches and has drawn attention across European and African sports media.