A French appeals court has officially mandated that Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi must stand trial regarding a 2023 rape allegation. The case centers on an incident reported in February 2023 by a 24-year-old woman, who claims the Moroccan football star assaulted her at his home after they connected on social media. Hakimi has vehemently denied these accusations from the beginning, maintaining his innocence throughout the legal proceedings. While no specific date for the trial in the Hauts-de-Seine department has been set, the court’s decision marks a significant development in a case that has drawn intense public scrutiny.

Following the ruling, Hakimi took to social media to express his frustration and his relief at finally having the opportunity to present his side of the story. He described himself as an "easy target" due to his fame, stating that he has remained silent for years in hopes that the justice system would vindicate him. His legal counsel, Fanny Colin, emphasized that the court’s decision is merely a procedural step and does not imply guilt, noting that the player remains steadfast in his defense. Meanwhile, the accuser, who is using the pseudonym Jeanne, expressed a sense of relief, telling the media that she is prepared to face the legal process to ensure her account is heard and believed.