The PSG defender reaches 100 appearances for Morocco as he prepares for a legal battle
Category: Sports
Achraf Hakimi, the captain of Morocco's national football team, is set to face trial in a rape case, a development that overshadowed his recent milestone of 100 senior appearances for the Atlas Lions. The announcement came just hours before Morocco's match against Scotland on June 19, 2026, when a French appeals court confirmed that Hakimi will stand trial following preliminary charges made against him in March 2023.
The 27-year-old Paris Saint-Germain defender, who played a key role in Morocco's historic run to the World Cup semifinals in Qatar, maintains his innocence. He has expressed frustration over the legal proceedings, arguing that his fame has made him an easy target. "Justice looked me in the eye and told me: ‘If you were not famous, there would never have been a case,’" Hakimi wrote on social media. He added that he has been waiting for this trial since the beginning and is eager to finally speak out.
Hakimi was met with boos from fans during Morocco's matches after the announcement of his trial. He was jeered every time he touched the ball during the team's second Group C match against the Netherlands, a stark reminder of the scrutiny he faces both on and off the pitch. This reaction came after Morocco secured a 1-0 victory against Scotland, which followed a 1-1 draw with Brazil in their opening game of the tournament.
The legal troubles for Hakimi began when a 24-year-old woman accused him of rape, claiming the incident occurred at his home in a suburb of Paris. Following the allegations, public prosecutors recommended that he face trial, leading to a decision by an investigative judge in February 2026. Hakimi's lawyer, Fanny Colin, has argued that numerous exculpatory elements uncovered during the investigation would have led to the dismissal of the case in any other circumstance.
Rachel-Flore Pardo, the lawyer representing the plaintiff, expressed relief following the court's decision to proceed with the trial. "After being defamed and dragged through the mud by Achraf Hakimi’s defense, the court's decision brings my client a sense of relief and hope," Pardo stated. She emphasized that the trial could help other women and challenge the culture of denial surrounding sexual violence in football.
Hakimi's football career has been marked by remarkable achievements. He made his senior debut for Morocco in October 2016 during a friendly match against Canada. Since then, he has established himself as a key player, participating in the 2018 World Cup and contributing significantly to Morocco's historic performance in the 2022 tournament, where the team became the first African and Arab nation to reach the semifinals.
As the trial date remains unannounced, Hakimi continues to focus on his role as a leader for the Moroccan national team. His performance in the World Cup has been exceptional, with his 100th appearance coming during the knockout stage against the Netherlands, marking a key milestone in his career. He is now only 15 appearances away from matching Noureddine Naybet’s record of 115 caps, and he has become Morocco’s record holder for World Cup appearances.
Hakimi's contributions on the field have been substantial; he scored a memorable penalty against Spain in the round of 16 during the 2022 World Cup, solidifying his status as one of Morocco's most important players. His attacking prowess is complemented by his defensive skills, as he regularly posts high numbers in tackles and interceptions during matches.
Looking ahead, the Moroccan team will rely heavily on Hakimi's experience and leadership as they progress through the tournament. He is expected to play a central role in upcoming matches, especially as Morocco aims to build on its recent successes. The team’s strategy allows Hakimi to operate from wide positions, giving him the freedom to contribute to both defense and attack.
As the legal proceedings loom, Hakimi remains determined to clear his name and focus on his responsibilities as a footballer. He has expressed hope that the trial will bring out the truth, stating, "I have been waiting for this trial since the first day. And I am now waiting for it impatiently. Finally, I will be able to speak." The outcome of the trial will undoubtedly have implications for Hakimi and for the perception of sexual violence within the sport.
With the World Cup continuing, attention will turn to Hakimi as he navigates the challenges both on and off the field. His ability to perform under pressure will be tested as Morocco seeks to advance in the tournament, making his upcoming appearances even more consequential.