PSG Star Achraf Hakimi Faces Potential 15-Year Sentence As Prosecutors Seek Rape Trial.
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi is facing the prospect of a criminal trial following a request by the Nanterre prosecutor’s office to indict him on rape charges stemming from an alleged incident in February 2023. The 24-year-old footballer, who has consistently denied the allegations, could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted under French law.
The case originates from a report made by a 24-year-old woman who claims she was raped by Hakimi at his home in Boulogne-Billancourt, a Paris suburb, on 25 February 2023. According to her account, she met Hakimi via Instagram in January 2023 and visited his residence after over a month of online communication. She alleges that Hakimi kissed and touched her without consent before assaulting her. The woman reported the incident to police the following day, though she initially did not file a formal complaint. Her testimony, supported by messages describing her trauma and corroborated by a friend who assisted her after the alleged incident, prompted a preliminary investigation.
Hakimi was questioned by investigators on 2 March 2023, placed under judicial supervision, and formally charged with rape the following day. He has been prohibited from contacting the accuser but is permitted to leave French territory. Throughout the investigation, Hakimi has maintained that the encounter was consensual, describing the accusations as an attempt at financial blackmail. His lawyer, Fanny Colin, has reiterated his denial, stating, “Achraf Hakimi strongly denies the accusations made against him,” and noted that the charges allow him the opportunity to defend himself fully.
The Nanterre prosecutor’s office, in a request signed on 1 August 2025, has now called for Hakimi to be tried before the Hauts-de-Seine departmental criminal court. The decision to proceed to trial rests with an investigating judge, who will determine whether there is sufficient evidence to move forward. The prosecution’s move follows a year-long investigation, which included a face-to-face deposition between Hakimi and his accuser in December 2023, where both parties reaffirmed their accounts.
The case has sparked significant attention, with posts on X reflecting divided sentiments. Some users have speculated about the motives behind the allegations, while others have highlighted the gravity of the accusations, noting the woman’s consistent testimony and supporting evidence. The woman’s lawyer, Rachel-Flore Pardo, has stated that her client is committed to pursuing justice solely through the legal system and will not engage with media speculation.
As the investigating judge deliberates, the football world awaits further developments in a case that could have profound implications for Hakimi’s career and reputation. If the trial proceeds and results in a conviction, the Moroccan star faces a potential sentence of up to 15 years, marking a dramatic turn in the career of one of football’s brightest talents.