Hakimi comments on rape accusation and "Ballon d'Or"

Arab Sea Newspaper - Special

Arab Sea_Translations: The right-back for the Moroccan national team and French club Paris Saint-Germain, Achraf Hakimi, confirmed that the accusation leveled against him of attempting to rape a girl is not true, indicating his confidence in his innocence. He also expressed that he deserves the Ballon d'Or in light of his successful career last season. In an interview with Canal Plus, Hakimi said: "I am calm, this is a false, terrible, and unfair accusation, and I do not wish it on anyone. It is an untrue accusation." Hakimi added: "I am confident that the truth will come out, and I do not blame myself. Those who know me know that. I am focused on my family and on football, and I am waiting for the truth to be revealed about those who falsely accused me." Hakimi affirmed that the French judiciary will acquit him of the allegations against him, stressing that this case should not hinder his football career or his personal life. A 24-year-old girl accused Achraf Hakimi of attempting to rape her at his home in February 2023, but she escaped from his grasp, according to her claim. The rape charge against Hakimi resurfaced last weekend, after the Public Prosecutor's Office in Nanterre, France, requested that he be referred to the Criminal Court on charges of rape, based on a complaint filed by a French girl in early 2023. Ballon d'Or Regarding the race to win the 2025 Ballon d'Or, Hakimi considered that he fully deserves the award, adding: "When people put me in the Ballon d'Or discussion, this is a dream I never thought of before. I think I deserve it too, after the historic season I had." He continued: "There are not many players who have scored in the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final, especially since it is much more difficult for defenders. People think I am a striker or a midfielder, but no, I play in a back four and I have to think about defense." Hakimi spoke about his career last season, saying: "The statistics I achieved this year are not the statistics of an ordinary defender. I think that when a defender achieves such numbers, he deserves the award more than a striker."