Paris Saint-Germain defender, Achraf Hakimi, has publicly addressed the rape allegations that have shadowed him for over a year, insisting he is innocent and confident the truth will prevail.
The Moroccan international broke his silence in a sit-down interview with Bertrand Latour on Canal+ Foot Africa on Saturday.
The discussion ranged from PSG’s Champions League ambitions to his Ballon d’Or dreams, but inevitably turned to the sexual assault case, which recently took a turn after the Nanterre prosecutor’s office called for him to stand trial.
“I am calm. Being falsely accused is horrible, unfair. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone,” Hakimi said. “I know the truth will come out. I have nothing to reproach myself for, and those who know me understand that. My focus is on my family and my football.”
If found guilty, the 25-year-old could face up to 15 years in prison, the maximum penalty for non-aggravated rape in France.
The allegations stem from an incident on February 25, 2023. According to Le Parisien (via All Football), a 24-year-old woman told police she first connected with Hakimi on Instagram in January 2023, exchanging messages for about a month before he allegedly ordered her an Uber to his Boulogne-Billancourt residence while his then-wife, actress Hiba Abouk, was on holiday in Dubai.
The woman claims Hakimi kissed her on the mouth and breasts through her clothing despite her objections, then assaulted her without consent.
She said she managed to push him away with her foot before fleeing and texting a friend to collect her.
That same day, she made a “statement of rape” at a police station but initially stopped short of filing a formal complaint.
Abouk filed for divorce later in 2023, amid the ongoing investigation.
Hakimi maintains his innocence, repeating in the interview, “The truth will come out.”