BREAKING: PSG Star Achraf Hakimi Faces Up to 15 Years in Prison Over 2023 Rape Allegation as Prosecutors Push for Indictment

Paris Saint-Germain right-back Achraf Hakimi, one of Africa’s most decorated footballers and a national icon in Morocco, is once again at the center of a legal storm.

The Nanterre prosecutor’s office in France has formally requested that he be indicted over a rape allegation stemming from February 2023, escalating the case from speculation to a potentially career-ending legal battle.

The alleged incident, which took place at Hakimi’s home, centers on a complaint filed by a woman who claims she was sexually assaulted after being invited over while Hakimi's family was away. According to court filings, the case is backed by witness testimonies and digital message exchanges, which investigators believe point to non-consensual acts.

Hakimi, 26, has denied the allegation, asserting through his legal team that the encounter was consensual and that the accuser is motivated by financial gain. He has yet to be convicted and remains free under judicial supervision. If the court accepts the prosecution's request, Hakimi could face a prison sentence of up to 15 years under French criminal law.

The footballer, who played a crucial role in Morocco's historic World Cup semifinal run in 2022, has not commented publicly since the latest development. However, his representatives insist the move is premature and politically charged, given his prominence both in sports and in North African culture.

This case arrives amid heightened global scrutiny on how the legal system handles rape accusations against high-profile figures. While some fans are rushing to Hakimi’s defense, citing celebrity-targeted false allegations, experts warn against rushing to conclusions. A widely cited 2005 Home Office report (Kelly et al.) found that only 2.5% to 8% of rape allegations are definitively false—highlighting that while false claims do exist, they are far less common than often perceived in public discourse.

Hakimi’s legal crisis also mirrors recent controversies involving elite athletes, most notably Conor McGregor, who was recently ordered to pay €2 million in damages and costs following a failed appeal in a 2024 civil rape case. These cases underscore a troubling pattern where celebrity, power, and sexual misconduct intersect, complicating both legal interpretations and public sentiment.

If indicted, Hakimi could face suspension from PSG and expulsion from the Moroccan national team. For a player once seen as the golden boy of Arab-African football, the potential downfall is staggering.

The football world now waits for the court's next move—one that could redefine not only Hakimi’s future but also how rape allegations involving global sports icons are perceived, prosecuted, and publicly processed.