Paris (France) (AFP) - Moroccan right-back Achraf Hakimi showed tremendous mental toughness without showing any impact, at least on the surface, on the course of the trial he faces on charges of rape, continuing to consolidate his position from one season to another as one of the most important elements of the tactical system of French club Paris Saint-Germain.

Published on: 02/11/2026 - 12:35

After scoring a hat-trick with two assists in the local victory over Le Havre (5-1), the traditional question reasserted itself again: How can a defender with such solidity turn into a striking attacking force in the opponent’s penalty area?

Hakimi, who had not scored with his club since February, redefined the role of the full-back, which prompted his Spanish coach Luis Enrique to say after the victory over Le Havre, "He is closer to the striker, and he is sometimes positioned in front of our attackers. He has the ability to make runs and provide decisive passes. When we have the ball, he is clearly an attacker, and when we do not have it, everyone becomes defenders. He is the best right-back in the world."

The Moroccan international, the second captain of the Parisian team behind Brazilian Marquinhos, enjoys great appreciation from his teammates.

Hakimi, who finished thirteenth in the 2026 Ballon d'Or standings after finishing sixth in 2025, scored three goals and provided nine assists in various competitions last season, after finishing the 2024-2025 season with 11 goals and 16 assists.

"It has become a thing of the past"

Thanks to his rare physical abilities, the Moroccan, who will soon turn twenty-eight, is able to repeatedly make quick runs towards the opponent’s area, which allows him to constantly advance towards the attack, as well as to enter deep into the field to confuse the opponent’s organization.

With the absence of injured strikers Ousmane Dembélé and Georgian Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, in addition to the absence of Portuguese Nuno Mendes, his partner on the left side and who has similar characteristics, Hakimi will again be required to move out of position and contribute offensively against Spanish Villarreal on Tuesday in the Champions League.

He said on Friday: “I like this, because I was a striker when I was younger.” I help the team with goals and assists, but I do not forget that I also have defensive duties,” stressing at the same time that he is “100 percent” ready, after putting behind him the severe injury he suffered last year in his right ankle.

The Moroccan international stressed that this injury "has become a thing of the past. I am making a good start to the season to help the team, and I have been at this level for a long time."

Last summer, during the World Cup, the captain of the Moroccan national team said, “I am going through an excellent period, both personally and professionally. I feel that I am in the best condition, surrounded by good people who help me focus on the basics. The truth is that this stage is one of the most important periods in my career.”

"presumption of innocence"

But away from the green rectangle, Hakimi faces continued judicial pressure.

In September, the French Court of Cassation upheld the decision to appear before a regional criminal court on charges of raping a woman in 2023, which the Moroccan international player (103 international matches and 13 goals) denies.

The date of Hakimi's trial has not yet been set. He stated in April in his first comment since the decision to refer him to trial, "I know that this accusation is false, and I am reassured. I leave the matter in the hands of my lawyer and the judiciary."

Hakimi appealed the decision to refer him to trial, but the Versailles Court of Appeal and then the Court of Cassation confirmed the decision.

Since the beginning of the case in February 2023, Paris Saint-Germain has continued to support the player, who has a contract with him until 2029, keeping him as vice-captain and continuing to feature him in advertising campaigns and on social media platforms.

Saint-Germain said in September, “The club seeks to provide a calm and respectful work environment for its player, consistent with the basic principles of the law,” based on the principle of “the presumption of innocence.”

On the other hand, the alleged victim's lawyer, Rachel-Fleur Pardo, considered that "the fight against sexual violence has not yet found its way into the world of men's football."

© 2026 AFP

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