Morocco captain Hakimi sends strong message ahead of rape trial
Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi issued a forceful social media statement insisting on his innocence and welcoming his rape trial in France, even as he led the Atlas Lions against Canada in a World Cup Round of 16 clash on July 4. Hakimi remains formally charged after a 2023 allegation; no trial date has been set.
Key Takeaways
- A French appeals court ruled on June 19 that Hakimi must stand trial on a 2023 rape charge he has consistently denied.
- On social media, Hakimi said fame made him an "easy target" and that he is eagerly awaiting the trial so he can finally speak.
- The PSG defender captained Morocco against Canada in Houston on July 4 in a high-stakes knockout match.
- A first-half scuffle with Canada's Richie Laryea led to yellow cards for both players after teams briefly converged.
- Separate family financial controversies involving his mother have also followed Hakimi off the pitch.
As one of the 2026 World Cup's most scrutinized stars, Hakimi took the field in Houston while awaiting a criminal trial back in France. The Paris Saint-Germain right-back has been central to Morocco's campaign — and to headlines stretching far beyond football.
Why Did Achraf Hakimi Speak Out Now?
According to Heavy.com, Hakimi broke his silence after the Versailles Court of Appeal ruled on June 19 that sufficient evidence exists to send him to trial. The case stems from February 2023, when a 24-year-old woman told French police she was raped at Hakimi's home outside Paris; he was placed under formal investigation days later.
In a post on X, Hakimi wrote that justice told him: "If you weren't famous, there never would have been a case." He said he chose to remain silent for years, trusting the process, but now feels like an easy target as a story that is not mine spreads at the expense of his family and the truth.
"I've been waiting for this trial since day one. And now I'm looking forward to it. Finally, I will be able to speak," he added. His lawyer, Fanny Colin, has appealed the ruling to France's highest court, as AP News reported. No trial date has been announced.
What Does the French Court Ruling Mean?
Heavy.com cites reporting from The Athletic's Tom Burrows on how French procedure differs from systems like Britain's Crown Prosecution Service model. Investigating judges weigh evidence before deciding whether a case proceeds.
According to the accuser's lawyer, Rachel-Flore Pardo, six judges agreed the evidence was strong enough to indict. Hakimi has denied wrongdoing across multiple public statements, including a 2025 podcast appearance and a Canal+ documentary. For now, there has been no indication the charges will prevent him from continuing to play for Morocco amid the World Cup spotlight.
What Happened During Morocco's Clash With Canada?
On July 4, Hakimi walked out as Morocco's captain for a Round of 16 match against Canada at Houston Stadium — described by Heavy as one of the biggest games in both nations' World Cup histories. Tensions boiled over in the 40th minute when Hakimi shoved Canada's Richie Laryea after the defender shepherded a Moroccan through-ball back to his goalkeeper.
Photo coverage from USA Today captured the moment both teams converged before English referee Michael Oliver separated Hakimi and Laryea. Oliver issued yellow cards to both players.
How Have Family Controversies Followed Hakimi?
Off-field scrutiny has not been limited to the criminal case. Athlon Sports notes that Hakimi's 2023 divorce from actress Hiba Abouk drew attention amid reports that most of his assets were registered under his mother Saida Mouh's name, fueling speculation he transferred wealth to limit a settlement.
Hakimi has said Mouh managed his finances since his early career — long before marriage — and that the arrangement reflected trust, not a divorce strategy. Still, the combination of legal, personal, and on-pitch drama has kept the Morocco captain at the center of celebrity breaking news throughout the tournament.