Hakimi Disgraced
Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi has experienced a dramatic collapse this week in the Goalden View Popularity Ranking (GVPR). His popularity has fallen 291 places to rank 331, his lowest position ever. Just last week, he was ranked the most popular PSG player. Now he ranks amongst the lowest at the club. The sharp decline follows reports that French prosecutors are calling for a trial regarding rape allegations. The accusations, dating back over two years, involve Hakimi allegedly inviting a woman to his home near Paris. On August 1, the Nanterre prosecutor’s office signed the request, and the case now awaits a decision from the investigating judge, who will determine whether it moves to trial.
While the legal outcome remains undecided, football fans and journalists alike have reacted strongly, with his name now heavily linked to scandal and horrific crime. Consequently, the impact on Hakimi’s popularity has been immediate and severe. In situations like these, perception means everything. In Hakimi’s case, the court of public opinion has already delivered a harsh verdict. Even if he may eventually be cleared of wrongdoing, his reputation has been significantly damaged.
The Beginning of the End?
Hakimi’s fall in the GVPR highlights how sensitive player popularity is to off-field controversies. His once celebrated career achievements are now overshadowed by criminal allegations, sparking widespread discussion across media platforms. The backlash is not just about the accusations themselves, but also about how such cases reflect on the sport’s image.
This week’s decline in popularity may be the start of a long-term decline for Hakimi, as rebuilding public trust is an uphill battle. In today’s media landscape, where news spreads instantly, one’s reputation can be severely and adversely affected by overly negative rhetoric.
At Goalden View, we track how public discourse shapes player popularity. Hakimi’s situation is a stark example of how quickly years of acclaim can be undone in the eyes of fans when serious allegations emerge.