Achraf Hakimi has spoken publicly for the first time following the Nanterre prosecutor’s request to formally indict him for alleged rape, a charge stemming from an incident said to have occurred at his home in Boulogne-Billancourt in February 2023.
The Moroccan international, currently playing for Paris Saint-Germain, addressed the situation during an interview aired by Canal+ on Saturday, firmly denying any wrongdoing and expressing his distress over the allegations.
“I’m calm, but being falsely accused is horrible and unfair,” Hakimi said. “I wouldn’t wish that on anyone, because it’s devastating. But I know the truth will come out. I have nothing to blame myself for, and those who truly know me understand that.”
The 25-year-old described the experience as deeply damaging, emotionally and reputationally, while insisting that his focus remains on his personal life and professional responsibilities. “I’m concentrating on the most important things in my life — my family and my football,” he added.
The statement follows a significant development in the legal process. A week ago, it was reported that the prosecutor’s office in Nanterre had formally recommended that Hakimi be indicted before the Hauts-de-Seine criminal court. The case has now been referred to an investigating judge, who will decide whether or not the matter proceeds to trial.
If Hakimi is tried and found guilty, he could face a prison sentence of up to fifteen years under French law.
The incident in question allegedly took place in early 2023 at the player’s residence in the western Paris suburb of Boulogne-Billancourt.
French authorities initially opened a preliminary investigation following a complaint filed by a young woman, and Hakimi was placed under judicial supervision in March 2023. At that time, he was not formally charged but remained under investigation.
Hakimi has maintained his innocence from the outset, and his legal team has consistently stated that the accusations are baseless. Saturday’s televised interview marked the first occasion on which the defender has publicly addressed the case in detail, beyond legal statements issued on his behalf.
The situation continues to cast a shadow over Hakimi’s otherwise high-profile career. Since joining Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 from Inter Milan, he has become an integral part of the French club’s defence and a leading figure for the Moroccan national team.
He was also one of the standout performers in Morocco’s historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Despite the legal uncertainty, Hakimi has continued to appear for PSG and remains active in international football. Club officials have so far refrained from making any public comment on the case, maintaining a neutral position while judicial proceedings continue.
As the matter progresses through the French legal system, the focus now turns to the decision of the investigating judge. Until a ruling is made on whether the case will go to trial, Hakimi remains under scrutiny, both in the courtroom and in the public eye.
