The organizing committee for the Ballon d’Or announced on its official “X” platform the nomination of Moroccan star Achraf Hakimi for the prestigious award in 2025. This achievement comes amid significant legal controversy involving a request to refer the player to criminal court on charges of rape, sparking widespread debate about his athletic career and reputation.
### Journey to Success
Achraf Hakimi began his professional career under challenging circumstances in Madrid, facing significant economic hurdles before emerging as a promising talent at Real Madrid’s academy. He later moved on loan to Borussia Dortmund and then transferred to Inter Milan in 2020 for €40 million. In 2021, he joined Paris Saint-Germain for €68 million. This journey reflects his determination and perseverance. Today, he is regarded as one of the best right-backs in the world, according to expert assessments.
### Exceptional Performance in 2024-2025
The 2024-2025 season marked a turning point in Hakimi’s career. He led Paris Saint-Germain to win the Ligue 1 title and played a crucial role in securing the club’s first European title in the UEFA Champions League, a historic achievement. On the international stage, he guided the Moroccan national team to a bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, scoring two goals and providing an assist, as reported by the International Olympic Committee. These statistics elevate his candidacy for the award, demonstrating that his role as a defender extends beyond defense to attack, aided by his exceptional speed of 36.4 km/h, according to studies published in the Journal of Sports Science (2024).
### Request for Referral to Criminal Court
Despite these athletic accomplishments, Hakimi faces significant legal challenges. On August 1, 2025, French authorities announced, according to the press agency, that the prosecution requested to refer the player to criminal court on charges of rape, stemming from accusations made in March 2023. Reports claim Hakimi is alleged to have raped a 24-year-old woman at his home in the suburbs of Paris while his wife and children were on vacation. The victim initially declined to file a formal complaint, but the prosecution decided to pursue the case. Hakimi has denied the allegations, and the final decision rests with the presiding judge. This controversy raises questions about its impact on his Ballon d’Or nomination and his global reputation.
Source
