Paris Saint-Germain's Achraf Hakimi warms up prior to a French Ligue 1 match against AS Monaco. French prosecutors announced earlier this year that the Morocco captain will stand trial over a 2023 rape accusation.
Image: Franck Fife/AFP
It has been a year of soaring highs and deep uncertainties for Moroccan international and Paris Saint‑Germain star Achraf Hakimi.
On the pitch, the past year for Hakimi ranks among the most decorated of his career. As a key figure in PSG’s defence and attack, he helped the club secure the UEFA Champions League title – a first in the French side’s history – in a dominant campaign where he played consistently at elite level.
His performances earned him huge praise across Europe and cemented his reputation as one of the world’s outstanding full‑backs.
That glittering club success was just part of his year. Hakimi was named CAF African Player of the Year for 2025, finishing ahead of top contenders including Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen.
Internationally, he captained Morocco during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, hosted on home soil. After a dramatic and controversial final against Senegal – initially won by Senegal but later overturned on appeal by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) – Morocco were officially declared champions.
The ruling sparked debate across African soccer but marked Morocco’s first continental title in 50 years, with Hakimi leading the squad through a tumultuous tournament.
However, off the pitch Hakimi’s year has been dominated by a serious legal battle with implications that could end his career. In early 2026, French prosecutors announced that the Morocco captain would stand trial over a 2023 rape accusation. The charge stems from an allegation involving an encounter at his home near Paris in 2023; Hakimi has vehemently denied the claim.
In statements on social media platforms, Hakimi described the legal proceedings as unjust and insisted on his innocence, saying he awaited the opportunity to clear his name publicly.
The case has drawn intense attention from international media and football supporters alike. While PSG fans have shown vocal support and the club continues to back their player, the uncertainty over the legal outcome now looms over what was otherwise a historic season.
As the football world prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Morocco will compete as African champions, Hakimi’s availability and future remain unresolved until the legal process plays out. Whether his contributions on the field will ultimately outweigh the litigation off it is a question that will define the next chapter of his career.
IOL Sport