Moroccan football star Achraf Hakimi is heading to trial after a French appeal court confirmed he must answer allegations that he raped a woman in 2023.

The Versailles Court of Appeal upheld an earlier decision on Friday, sending the case to the criminal court in Hauts-de-Seine. No trial date has been set yet.

Hakimi, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain and is representing Morocco at the ongoing 2026 World Cup, responded on social media shortly after the ruling. "I've been waiting for this trial since day one," he wrote on X. "At last, I'll be able to speak."

His lawyer, Fanny Colin, said the decision was expected. "Nothing here says that he's guilty of anything, he remains steadfast in his defence," she told reporters.

The woman who made the accusation, now 24, first reported the incident to police in February 2023. She told investigators she met Hakimi on Instagram in January that year and went to his home in a taxi he arranged.

She alleged that Hakimi kissed her, touched her without consent, and raped her. According to her account, she pushed him away and texted a friend, who came to pick her up.

Speaking publicly for the first time in an interview with Mediapart published Thursday, the woman — using the pseudonym Jeanne — said she wants her day in court. "I want a trial to defend myself, to be heard," she stated.

Her lawyer, Rachel-Flore Pardo, said the ruling gave her client "relief and hope."

Hakimi has denied the allegations from the start. He's continued playing at the highest level for both club and country while the legal process dragged on.

The case has drawn major attention in France and across the football world, especially because it comes as Hakimi plays for Morocco in the World Cup. Morocco face Scotland later on Friday in their second group match.

"I want a trial to defend myself, to be heard."

Hakimi, 27, is one of the most recognisable faces in African football. Born in Madrid to Moroccan parents, he came through Real Madrid's youth system before spells at Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan, and PSG. He helped Morocco reach the World Cup semi-finals in 2022 — the best ever performance by an African nation.

Now, instead of just focusing on football, he must prepare to defend himself in a French criminal court. The trial will examine the woman's account against his denial, and a judge or jury will decide who's telling the truth.

For now, both sides say they're ready. Hakimi insists he has nothing to hide. Jeanne says she just wants to be heard. The court will have the final word.