Achraf Hakimi, PSG and Morocco defender, faces an ongoing rape accusation dating back to 2023 but insists on his innocence. Calling it the hardest moment of his life, he says the allegations have deeply affected his family while he remains confident that justice will clear his name.
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Achraf Hakimi, Moroccan international and Paris Saint-Germain full-back, finds himself at the center of one of the most serious controversies of his career.
In 2023, the 26-year-old defender was accused of raping a woman at his home on the outskirts of Paris. Although Hakimi has consistently denied the allegations and maintains his innocence, the legal case remains open, and under French law, a conviction could potentially lead to a prison sentence of up to 15 years.
For Hakimi, a footballer admired worldwide for his explosive pace and versatility on the right flank, the accusation has represented far more than a sporting challenge. It has been, in his own words, the most difficult experience of his life. Speaking candidly about the ordeal, he admitted that the impact has gone well beyond the pitch. "It is the hardest thing that has ever happened to me," Hakimi said. "It was very difficult for me and still is, because when they keep telling lies after lies, it hurts. It hurts my family, my children, who are small and don’t know what the internet is and cannot read yet. I know that at some point in their lives, they will read things. And for me, to see that something about their father was written, and on top of that is a lie, is not pleasant. I do not wish that on anyone."
The Moroccan defender’s reflections reveal a deep concern not only for his reputation but also for the collateral damage caused to his loved ones. He stressed how damaging it is for young children to grow up with stories in circulation that they cannot yet understand but may later confront. The shadow of such accusations, he noted, extends far beyond himself.
Hakimi also gave details about the legal proceedings, admitting that he and his lawyer were prepared for the Public Prosecutor to press charges. "My lawyer told me [about the Public Prosecutor’s intention to move forward with the charge]. We knew this could happen, we are calm," he explained. "I know what I was accused of, and it is a lie. I know who I am, I know I did nothing. And I never would."
According to Hakimi, he proactively sought to cooperate with authorities to clear his name. "I asked to speak to the police, to explain my version. Whenever they needed me for anything… in fact, they have my DNA. Whatever they needed, I was available, unlike the accuser, who did not make things easy. Thanks to the work of the police we managed to find some positive elements. I am calm, I know I am in good hands with my lawyer, justice is doing its job and I hope the truth will come out."
His words highlight not only his insistence on innocence but also his willingness to place trust in the judicial system. He also drew a stark contrast between his own openness and what he sees as a lack of cooperation on the part of the woman making the accusation.
Beyond the immediate legal battle, Hakimi spoke more broadly about the risks and vulnerabilities that come with life as a professional footballer. "We are exposed to many things, we are exposed to things like girls approaching us. Blackmail… I think in the world of football there are many people who take advantage of us," he warned.
Hakimi admitted that this experience has forced him to change his lifestyle and the way he manages his personal relationships. "After this I changed many things. Now my circle is so small that I don’t let anyone in," he said, underlining how profoundly the situation has altered his trust in people around him.
For PSG, the case has been sensitive to handle. Hakimi remains an essential player on the pitch, part of a defensive line that supports stars like Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé in attack. His attacking surges from right-back have been decisive in Ligue 1 and the Champions League. Yet off the field, his name remains linked to a case that has captured media attention in France and abroad, inevitably affecting his public image.
Hakimi’s career trajectory has been remarkable up until this point. Developed at Real Madrid’s academy, he first rose to prominence during a loan spell at Borussia Dortmund, where his speed and attacking flair made him one of the Bundesliga’s most exciting defenders. A subsequent move to Inter Milan saw him help the club win Serie A in 2021, before PSG signed him in a high-profile transfer. For Morocco, Hakimi has been a talisman, playing a central role in their historic run to the World Cup semi-finals in Qatar in 2022.
That sporting legacy is now overshadowed by an unresolved legal battle. Hakimi himself is acutely aware of the stakes, not only for his freedom but also for his reputation and the example he sets as a role model in Moroccan and African football. His statements make clear that he feels wronged, that he is determined to defend himself, and that he hopes the truth will eventually clear his name.
As the case progresses, Hakimi continues to play and perform at the highest level. But the cloud of uncertainty remains, leaving open questions about how the outcome will shape both his career and his life beyond football.
Updated: 02:29, 25 Sep 2025
