Kylian Mbappe could be called as witness in Achraf Hakimi rape trial

Kylian Mbappe could be summoned as a key witness after France’s Supreme Court confirmed that Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi must stand trial on a rape charge dating back to 2023.

The court on Wednesday rejected an appeal by Hakimi’s lawyers against the decision of the Versailles Court of Appeal, issued on 19 June, leaving the Morocco international with no further legal route to avoid a criminal trial.

Hakimi is expected to appear before the departmental criminal court of Hauts-de-Seine, probably in Nanterre. No date has yet been set.

The case began in February 2023 when a 24-year-old woman filed a complaint alleging that Hakimi had assaulted her at his home in Boulogne-Billancourt, a suburb of Paris. The pair had first made contact through social media.

Mbappe’s potential evidence

The possible involvement of Mbappe, now a Real Madrid forward, is the latest development in the case, according to Spanish radio station Cadena COPE.

Mbappe was Hakimi’s team-mate at Paris Saint-Germain at the time of the alleged incident. Investigators questioned him on 14 April 2023, after Hakimi reportedly told him that he and the woman had exchanged consensual kisses on the night in question.

An investigating judge initially relied on that testimony when supporting the complainant’s account and ordering Hakimi to face trial.

Hakimi’s defence later sought to provide further clarification through a message from Mbappe. In it, Mbappe reportedly said Hakimi had not touched the complainant’s intimate areas, in an attempt to challenge the allegation that there had been non-consensual sexual contact.

The clarification did not persuade the Court of Appeal, which upheld the decision to send Hakimi to trial. The Supreme Court’s refusal to examine the appeal has now cleared the way for the proceedings.

France’s Supreme Court said the appeal lodged by Hakimi had been rejected, allowing the case to proceed before the departmental criminal court of Hauts-de-Seine. The decision was reported on 23 September 2026.

Complainant’s lawyer welcomes ruling

Rachel-Flore Pardo, the complainant’s lawyer, welcomed the ruling. In a statement to Spanish news agency EFE, she said: “After three and a half years of legal battles, and after my client was subjected to defamation, she is certain that justice will be done and will fight until the end.”

She added: “My client hopes that this trial will help other women and contribute to breaking the wall of denial and impunity surrounding sexual violence, even in the world of professional football.”

Hakimi has consistently denied the allegations. He acknowledges only that he and the complainant hugged and exchanged consensual kisses.

The complainant maintains in her statement that Hakimi kissed and touched her against her will before she managed to leave and contact a friend, who came to collect her.