Achraf Hakimi continues to shine for Paris Saint-Germain despite legal pressure

Achraf Hakimi continued to make a major attacking contribution for Paris Saint-Germain, scoring three goals and providing two assists in a 5-1 win over Le Havre. The report looks at his performances for the team as the legal proceedings against the Moroccan player continue.

Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique believes Hakimi can become a forward when his team has the ball, making use of his runs and incisive passes while retaining his defensive duties. The player had previously scored for his club in February, and finished the 2024-2025 season with three goals and nine assists, after recording 11 goals and 16 assists the previous season.

With Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia sidelined by injuries, along with Nuno Mendes, Hakimi is expected to move out of position and contribute in attack against Villarreal on Tuesday in the Champions League. He said he was 100 per cent fit, and that the ankle injury he suffered last year was behind him.

Hakimi faces an accusation of raping a woman dating back to 2023, which he denies. The appeals and cassation courts upheld the decision to refer him to trial before a regional criminal court, but no trial date has been set. The player said he was at ease and was leaving the case to his lawyers and the courts.

Paris Saint-Germain said it supports the player, who is under contract with the club until 2029, citing the presumption of innocence, while the alleged victim’s lawyer criticised what she described as the delay in tackling sexual violence in men’s football.