Hakimi: Ballon d'Or nominee returns to training amid rape scandal

Achraf Hakimi has resumed training with Paris Saint-Germain amid serious allegations of rape. 

The Moroccan right-back arrived at the club’s training base on Wednesday, August 6, as reported by Le Parisien, marking his first official appearance since the Nanterre prosecutor’s office requested his indictment on charges dating back to February 2023.

According to the outlet, the 26-year-old star appeared at the PSG Campus around 8:45 a.m., driven in a black van with tinted windows. 

The morning included routine medical assessments, physical conditioning, and light training with teammates. 

However, his return was notably quiet, with no visible celebration or media frenzy at the scene.

Hakimi’s return comes just five days after prosecutors pushed for his indictment in a sexual assault case involving a 24-year-old woman.

Pulse Sports earlier reported the defender is accused of kissing the woman on the mouth and breasts through her clothes before engaging in non-consensual digital penetration. 

Hakimi has consistently denied the charges and maintains his innocence.

While the final decision on whether the case will proceed to trial now rests with an investigating judge, the legal threat remains very real. 

If convicted, Hakimi could face up to 15 years in prison.

Despite the gravity of the situation, Hakimi has maintained a composed front.

Teammates reportedly observed no significant change in his behaviour during training, and he appears fully focused on the upcoming season.

The former Real Madrid and Inter defender has been nominated for the 2025 Ballon d’Or awards.

Hakimi is also currently tipped to win the 2025 CAF Player of the Year award, having finished in second place last year.