Achraf Hakimi, the PSG player, is slated to start in the Champions League match against Monaco, reflecting the confidence of coach Luis Enrique in his player's mental state amid ongoing legal issues. Hakimi faces serious allegations of rape, with the Nanterre prosecutor's office asserting that he sexually assaulted a young woman in 2023. Despite the gravity of the accusations, he maintains his innocence, claiming the accusations stem from a financial blackmail attempt.

The allegations arose when a young woman reported to the police that she had been sexually assaulted after visiting Hakimi's home. According to her account, the incident involved an aggressive sexual assault, while Hakimi has only admitted to consensual embraces and kisses. The prosecutor's closing argument highlighted the consistency of the victim's description with contemporaneous text messages to a friend, suggesting credibility in her claims.

Hakimi has publicly stated that current societal attitudes allow accusations of rape to lead to legal proceedings without sufficient evidence, emphasizing his belief in the importance of due process. His ongoing participation in high-profile matches amid facing serious legal troubles underscores the complexities athletes face in the realm of public perception, legal accountability, and personal reputation within a highly scrutinized sporting environment.