PARIS DERBY: ANALYZING HOW PSG NARROWLY DEFEATED A RESILIENT, NEW-LOOK PARIS FC SIDE
PSG edge Paris FC 2-1 in a historic Ligue 1 derby. Explore the Arnault-Red Bull takeover, stadium drama, and the 2026 rematch.
Paris Saint-Germain had a chance to send a message in the first of two Paris derbies in just over a week, squaring off against their ambitious neighbours. Inside the Parc des Princes, a massive tifo declared “Paris c’est nous”—a phrase that nodded to the clubs’ tangled past but also served as a reminder: this rivalry has always been a bit one-sided.
For a brief stretch in the seventies, PSG and Paris FC were one club. PSG came out of a merger between Stade Saint-Germain and Paris FC back in 1970. It didn’t last. Paris FC split off a few years later, and while PSG racked up trophies, Paris FC faded into the background, bouncing around the lower leagues. Only recently, after new owners like the Arnault family and Red Bull stepped in, did they start to make regular appearances in Ligue 2.
The women’s teams keep the rivalry alive—both Paris clubs actually give Lyon’s powerhouse a run for its money. But on the men’s side, things are different. These two hadn’t met in Ligue 1 for 48 years, so any real rivalry needs to start from scratch.
Honestly, from PSG’s point of view, it’s tough to get worked up about a club that isn’t even trying to compete. Paris FC’s whole message has been about complementing, not challenging, the European champs. There’s a clear sense of respect, maybe even a bit of awe. “They’re on a different planet,” admitted Paris FC president Pierre Ferracci—who, by the way, used to have a PSG season ticket.
“There’s room for two clubs in Paris, for two stories that could be complementary,” said Antoine Arnault, Paris FC’s owner and an open PSG supporter, during a press conference last year. Since 2022, Paris FC have even had PSG legend Raí as an ambassador—though he still spends plenty of time at the Parc des Princes. As the newly-promoted side tries to grow its own following, it might have to carve out more distance from PSG down the line.
On the pitch, there’s not much drama yet. Paris FC, despite their wealthy backers, have played it safe in the transfer market, so PSG’s dominance isn’t under real threat. Paris FC are nearby, both in terms of geography and market, but right now, they’re not shaking up the balance of power in Paris.
Paris FC’s summer move to the Stade Jean-Bouin—just a stone’s throw from the Parc des Princes—looked like it could create some tension. It’s definitely an upgrade from Stade Charléty, which has an athletics track and offers little room to grow.
Still, the clubs get along, at least at the top. PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi flew in to meet with Antoine Arnault and the Paris FC brass before the match. Jürgen Klopp, representing minority investors Red Bull, showed up too.
That “Paris c’est nous” tifo also ties in with PSG’s ongoing battle with city officials over buying the Parc des Princes. PSG have even scouted out possible new stadium sites outside Paris, but most fans hate the idea of leaving their home of 52 years.
The upcoming mayoral elections could shake things up. Several candidates want to reopen talks with PSG. If the club does end up moving to the outskirts, Paris FC would be the only big team left inside the city’s ring road—and would likely take over the Parc des Princes.
For now, the first act of this new-look Paris derby was tighter than expected. PSG edged it 2-1. The goals from Désiré Doué and Ousmane Dembélé were especially welcome for the hosts, since both players are just getting back to form after injury-hit autumns. Paris FC did pull level after halftime thanks to a Willem Geubbels penalty, but they couldn’t keep it up. The two sides go again next Monday in the Coupe de France, back at the Parc.
At the season’s halfway point, the two clubs are worlds apart in the standings—PSG are chasing Lens at the top, while Paris FC sit just two points clear of the relegation playoff. Their meeting on the final day at Jean-Bouin could end up being about a lot more than bragging rights.
PSG CRISIS: LUIS ENRIQUE RESPONDS TO HAKIMI’S LEGAL BATTLE BEFORE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE CLASH
High stakes: Discover why Achraf Hakimi faces 15 years in prison and his defiant response to the ordered rape trial in Nanterre.
If found guilty, Hakimi faces up to 15 years in prison, the maximum sentence for the crime he’s accused of.
Hakimi Facing Possible 15-Year Prison Sentence
French outlet Le Parisien, quoted by The Sun, reports that the incident dates back to February 2023. A 24-year-old woman told police she met the Moroccan international on Instagram in January.
She says that when she arrived, Hakimi kissed her on the mouth and breasts over her clothes without her consent and then assaulted her. According to her, she managed to push him away with her foot and left, texting a friend to come pick her up.
Later that day, she went to the police and gave what was called a "statement of rape", but at first she didn’t file a formal complaint.
In the weeks after, she sent investigators messages that reportedly showed how distressed she was after the incident.
On March 3, 2023, an investigating judge charged Achraf Hakimi with rape. Police took him into custody briefly, then released him under judicial supervision. Hakimi has denied the accusations from the start.
Now, in 2026, the Daily Mail reports that Hakimi’s lawyer, Fanny Colin, confirmed a trial has been ordered. The prosecutor in Nanterre also confirmed it. In their words:
“A trial has been ordered based solely on the word of a woman who blocked all investigations, refused all medical exams and DNA tests, wouldn’t let her phone be examined, and wouldn’t name a key witness.”
Meanwhile, Gianni Infantino is accused of breaking strict FIFA rules during Donald Trump’s Board of Peace meeting.
After the latest news, Hakimi said:
“Today, a rape accusation is enough to justify a trial, even though I deny it and everything proves it’s false. This is just as unfair to the innocent as it is to real victims. I calmly wait for this trial, which will let the truth come out.”
PSG manager Luis Enrique was asked before the Champions League play-off second leg against Monaco if Hakimi’s case changes anything for the team or his role as vice captain. He replied, “This is in the hands of the justice system.”
Hakimi also spoke about the accusations in a January interview, saying there was a plot against him. “The truth is, when you’re successful and things are going well, you become an easy target for some people, and that taught me you can’t trust many people around you.
“They tried to blackmail me, and that’s why we filed a complaint. It’s going fine. The justice system handled things pretty well.”
A representative for the alleged victim responded, "My client feels huge relief at this news. Nothing in this case points to any blackmail attempt. We won’t let anyone smear her or destabilise her, which, sadly, still happens far too often to women who dare to report rape.”
Hakimi’s lawyer, Colin, criticised the prosecution’s move, saying, "These requests make no sense given the evidence. The case proves the plaintiff lied, especially through psychological assessments. Achraf Hakimi and I are as calm as we were at the start. If these requests are approved, we’ll appeal every step of the way.”
As of now, Hakimi is still free on bail.
HAKIMI TO STAND TRIAL: PSG STAR CONFIRMS RAPE TRIAL WHILE STRONGLY DENYING ALL CHARGE
Legal showdown: Discover why Achraf Hakimi is heading to trial and his defiant response to the sexual assault allegations.
Achraf Hakimi, the Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco defender, says he’ll stand rape trial, a charge he strongly denies. He confirmed the news himself on social media Tuesday, writing, “Today, a rape accusation is enough to justify a trial, even though I deny it and everything proves it’s false. This is as unjust to the innocent as it is to the genuine victims. I calmly await this trial, which will allow the truth to come out publicly.”
The case started back in 2023, when the Nanterre prosecutor’s office opened an investigation after a woman accused the 27-year-old of rape. On Tuesday, prosecutors confirmed the case is heading to court.
According to the plaintiff, she met Hakimi on Instagram in January 2023. She says he ordered her a taxi to his home, then kissed her and touched her without consent before raping her. She says she managed to push him away and texted a friend, who came to pick her up.
Her lawyer, Rachel-Flore Pardo, said her client felt relieved the case would get a full hearing. She praised the judiciary’s handling but pointed out that men’s football still has a long way to go when it comes to the #MeToo movement.
On the other side, Hakimi’s lawyer, Fanny Colin, argued that the trial is moving forward based only on the woman’s word. She said the plaintiff blocked all investigations, refusing medical exams, DNA tests, access to her phone, and the name of a key witness.
Meanwhile, PSG are set to face Monaco on Wednesday in the return leg of their Champions League playoff. PSG won last week’s first leg 3-2 at Stade Louis II, and Hakimi was listed in the squad. Asked about his defender, PSG head coach Luis Enrique kept it simple: “This matter is in the hands of the authorities.”
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