Summary (tl;dr)

Moroccan football star Achraf Hakimi is trending as a French appeals court recently confirmed he will stand trial on rape charges, which he vehemently denies. The decision comes amidst his participation in the ongoing World Cup, where he has faced public scrutiny.

Essential Background

Achraf Hakimi, a prominent right-back for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and captain of the Morocco national team, is widely recognized as one of the best players in his position globally. He joined PSG in 2021 and recently extended his contract until 2029, reportedly making him the world's highest-paid right-back. In March 2023, a 24-year-old woman accused Hakimi of rape at his home in a Paris suburb, leading to preliminary charges. Hakimi has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

The Full Story

On June 19, 2026, a French appeals court confirmed the decision for Achraf Hakimi to stand trial on rape charges, rejecting his appeal against an investigative judge's earlier ruling. This announcement occurred just hours before Morocco was scheduled to play Scotland in a World Cup group stage match. Hakimi has publicly stated he is "eagerly awaiting" the trial, where he expects to finally present his side of the story, asserting that he has become an "easy target" due to his fame. During recent World Cup games, including one against Scotland in Boston, Hakimi was subjected to booing from a significant portion of the crowd.

Why It Matters

This development is significant for Hakimi's career and public image, as he faces a criminal trial while being a key player for both his club and national team, particularly during a major international tournament like the World Cup. The case also highlights broader discussions about sexual violence allegations within men's professional football and the legal processes involved. His denial and commitment to fighting the charges in court set the stage for a high-profile legal battle.

Geographic Location

• Paris suburb, Île-de-France, France (alleged incident occurred at his home)
• Nanterre, Hauts-de-Seine, Île-de-France, France (initial prosecutor's investigation opened)
• Versailles, Île-de-France, France (appeals court confirmed trial)