Who Is Achraf Hakimi? A Profile of the PSG and Morocco Star

Quick Answer

Achraf Hakimi is a Moroccan professional footballer who plays as a right-back for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and captains the Morocco national team. As of June 2026, he is the reigning African Player of the Year (2025) and simultaneously faces a rape trial in France, which he denies.

His career has been marked by elite performance at top European clubs—Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan, and PSG—alongside a leadership role in Morocco's historic 2022 World Cup run.

Key Facts

• Position: Right-back, known for attacking contributions, pace, and crossing ability.
• Current club: Paris Saint-Germain (contract runs until 2029).
• National team: Captain of Morocco.
• Major award: Crowned 2025 African Player of the Year at the CAF Awards.
• Legal situation: A French appeals court confirmed on June 19, 2026, that Hakimi will stand trial for the alleged rape of a woman in 2023. He denies all charges. The trial is ongoing.
• 2024-2025 season stats (Ligue 1): 25 appearances, 4 goals, 6 assists, 12 big chances created.
• 2024-2025 season stats (Champions League): 17 appearances, 4 goals, 5 assists, 7 clean sheets, 11 blocked shots.
• Transfer status: Rumors persist of a potential return to Real Madrid in 2025 or 2026, with a reported fee of €50–60 million. His PSG contract runs until 2029, making a free transfer unlikely in the near term.

Background and Context

Achraf Hakimi's profile is a study in contrasts: a world-class athlete at his peak, a national hero, and a defendant in a serious criminal case. To understand his significance, one must trace his path from Madrid's youth academy to global stardom, and recognize why his legal situation has become a defining chapter in his career.

Hakimi emerged from Real Madrid's La Fábrica academy, making his senior debut for the club in 2017. A loan to Borussia Dortmund (2018–2020) transformed his reputation.

There, he was deployed as an attacking wing-back, scoring 12 goals and providing 17 assists across all competitions in his second season—extraordinary numbers for a defender. That output caught Inter Milan's attention, and he joined the Italian club in 2020 under Antonio Conte.

At Inter, he won the Serie A title in 2020–2021, forming a devastating right flank partnership with Nicolò Barella. PSG paid a reported €60 million plus add-ons to sign Hakimi from Inter in July 2021, making him one of the most expensive defenders in history.

He quickly became a cornerstone of the Parisian side, known for overlapping runs, precise crosses, and an ability to score from distance. By 2024, he had established himself as arguably the best right-back in world football—a status confirmed when he won the 2025 African Player of the Year award.

His importance to Morocco cannot be overstated. Hakimi captained the team to the 2022 World Cup semifinals in Qatar—the first African nation to reach that stage.

He scored a crucial penalty in the shootout against Spain in the Round of 16 and delivered a man-of-the-match performance against Portugal in the quarterfinals. That run elevated him from star player to national icon.

As of June 2026, Morocco is preparing for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025), which was postponed from its original 2025 dates. Hakimi and fellow midfielder Sofyan Amrabat have both fully recovered from injuries, according to recent reports, making them available for the tournament.

The rape allegations first emerged in early 2023. A woman accused Hakimi of rape at his home in a Paris suburb.

French prosecutors issued a final indictment on August 1, 2025, and called for him to stand trial. Hakimi has consistently denied any sexual contact or the events described by the complainant.

On June 19, 2026, a French appeals court confirmed that the case would proceed to trial. The legal process remains ongoing, with no verdict reached as of this writing.

Detailed Explanation

The Player Why Hakimi Is Considered Elite

Hakimi's game is defined by unusual traits for a full-back. He combines elite speed with technical ability that allows him to function as an auxiliary winger.

In possession, he pushes high and wide, stretching defenses and creating crossing angles. Out of possession, he recovers quickly due to his pace, though his defensive positioning has occasionally been questioned—a trade-off for his attacking output.

His 2024–2025 season numbers illustrate his dual threat. In Ligue 1, he created 12 big chances (passes leading directly to a shot from a high-probability position) and delivered 6 assists from 25 appearances.

His 4 goals came from a mix of late runs into the box and finishing from distance. In the Champions League, his 17 appearances included 4 goals and 5 assists, with 7 clean sheets and 11 blocked shots—indicating he contributed defensively at the highest level.

These numbers place him in the top tier of attacking full-backs globally. For context, few defenders in Europe match his goal involvement rate.

His ability to maintain consistency across domestic and European competitions justifies his status as African Player of the Year.

The Legal Case What the Trial Involves

The case centers on an alleged incident in February 2023. The complainant reported to French authorities that she was raped at Hakimi's home.

Investigators conducted forensic analysis and interviewed witnesses before prosecutors determined there was sufficient evidence to request a trial. The key points from the reference content:

• French prosecutors issued a final indictment on August 1, 2025, recommending a trial.
• On September 18, 2025, Le Monde reported that prosecutors had detailed their reasoning for seeking a trial.
• Hakimi denies any sexual contact with the complainant and disputes the events entirely.
• On June 19, 2026, a French appeals court confirmed that the case would proceed to trial.

It is critical to note that no verdict has been reached. The trial is ongoing as of June 20, 2026.

Under French law, defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The court's decision to proceed does not imply guilt—it means the judges found the evidence sufficient to require a formal trial.

The Transfer Situation Will He Leave PSG?

Hakimi's contract with PSG runs until 2029, giving the club significant leverage in any transfer negotiations. However, transfer rumors have persisted for two years.

Several factors are at play:

• Real Madrid interest: Multiple sources indicate Real Madrid has targeted Hakimi for a return. They reportedly explored moves in both 2025 and 2026. A report from April 2026 estimated a potential transfer fee between €50 million and €60 million—a significant discount from the €60 million PSG paid in 2021, reflecting his age (he turns 28 in November 2026) and the contract length remaining.

• Contract leverage: With five years remaining on his deal, PSG can demand a high fee or refuse to sell. The rumored €50–60 million range suggests PSG might be open to negotiations, but no official bid has been confirmed.

• Hakimi's preference: He is reportedly eager to rejoin Real Madrid. He came through their academy and maintains strong ties to the club. The question is whether Real Madrid will meet PSG's asking price or wait until his contract situation changes.

• Free agent possibility: His contract runs until 2029, so a free transfer in 2026 is not realistic. However, if PSG decides to sell in 2027 or 2028, the fee could drop significantly. The 2025–2026 window was seen as the best opportunity for Real Madrid to secure him at a reasonable fee.

The National Team Impact

Hakimi's leadership of Morocco is a separate but connected thread. He captained the team through the 2022 World Cup and remains the face of the national program.

Morocco will host AFCON 2025, a major event that will test the team's ability to replicate their World Cup success on home soil. The injury recovery news regarding Hakimi and Amrabat is significant.

Both players are "pillars of the national team," according to the reference material. Their full recovery means Morocco enters the tournament with its strongest available squad.

For Hakimi, the AFCON represents a chance to focus on football amid the legal proceedings—though the timing of the trial could overlap with the tournament schedule, creating logistical and psychological challenges.

Common Questions and Misconceptions

"Hakimi has been found guilty."

This is false. As of June 20, 2026, no verdict has been reached.

The appeals court confirmed on June 19 that the case will go to trial, but that is a procedural step, not a conviction. Under French law, the court's decision to proceed means judges found sufficient evidence to warrant a trial—not that guilt has been established.

"His career is over."

Highly unlikely. Even if convicted—which has not happened—a conviction does not automatically end a football career.

Several players have continued playing after legal proceedings, depending on the outcome and contractual clauses. PSG has not suspended or terminated his contract.

He continues to play and train.

"He is the best right-back in the world."

This is subjective, but his 2025 African Player of the Year award supports the argument. His statistical output—4 goals and 6 assists in Ligue 1, 4 goals and 5 assists in the Champions League—places him among the most productive attacking defenders in Europe.

However, players like Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), João Cancelo (Barcelona), and others also have strong claims. The title depends on how one weights attacking vs.

defensive contributions.

"He will definitely return to Real Madrid."

Nothing is confirmed. Real Madrid's interest is well-documented, but no transfer has been agreed.

The reported €50–60 million fee is an estimate, not a fixed price. PSG may demand more, or Madrid may look elsewhere.

The legal situation also introduces uncertainty—clubs may be cautious about signing a player facing a criminal trial.

"His 2024–2025 season was his best."

Possibly, but not definitively. His 2019–2020 season at Borussia Dortmund (12 goals, 17 assists) was statistically superior.

However, the 2024–2025 season was played at a higher level (Champions League, top competition) and included the African Player of the Year award. It was arguably his most accomplished season in terms of recognition and consistency.

What to Watch For

The Trial Outcome

The most immediate and consequential development will be the trial. A conviction could lead to a prison sentence, which would end his career.

An acquittal would allow him to resume his career without legal cloud. A hung jury or appeal could prolong the uncertainty.

Key dates to monitor: The trial schedule has not been announced as of June 20, 2026. Follow French court announcements or reliable sports news outlets for updates.

AFCON 2025 Performance

Morocco enters as hosts and favorites. Hakimi's form and availability will be crucial.

If the trial coincides with the tournament (likely in early 2026), his participation may be affected. Watch for:

• Whether he is named to the squad.
• How the legal situation affects his focus and performance.
• Whether Morocco can replicate its World Cup success.

Transfer Window Activity

The summer 2026 transfer window (July–August) will be the next opportunity for a move. If Real Madrid does not sign him, other clubs may enter the race.

His contract length gives PSG negotiating power, but the legal situation could deter some suitors. Practical guidance for fans and observers:

• Do not assume guilt or innocence based on trial confirmation. The court's decision is procedural. Wait for the verdict.
• Separate the legal case from his football ability. He remains an elite player. The legal outcome will determine his future, but his past performances are not invalidated by the allegations.
• Be cautious with transfer rumors. Until an official announcement is made, all reports are speculation. The reported €50–60 million fee is an estimate from April 2026; actual terms may differ.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Achraf Hakimi accused of?

He is accused of the alleged rape of a woman in 2023 at his home in a Paris suburb. French prosecutors issued a final indictment in August 2025, and an appeals court confirmed on June 19, 2026, that the case will proceed to trial.

Hakimi denies any sexual contact or the events described.

Has he been convicted?

No. As of June 20, 2026, no verdict has been reached.

The trial is ongoing. Under French law, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Will he play in AFCON 2025?

He is expected to be available. Recent reports confirm he has fully recovered from injury.

However, if the trial schedule overlaps with the tournament, his participation could be affected.

Is he leaving PSG?

Uncertain. His contract runs until 2029.

Real Madrid is reported to be interested, with a potential fee of €50–60 million. No official transfer has been announced.

Did he really win African Player of the Year in 2025?

Yes. He was crowned the 2025 African Player of the Year at the CAF Awards, as confirmed by video evidence from the ceremony.

Reference Notes

Information in this article is based on publicly available sources including official court announcements, club statements, and statistical databases. Some details—such as exact transfer fees and trial dates—may change over time.

Verify with official sources before acting. The legal case is ongoing; no verdict has been reached.

This article does not provide legal advice or opinion on the guilt or innocence of any party.