Sex crime against young woman: soccer star found guilty on all counts

Nice (France) - In the recent past, the negative headlines surrounding the French-Tunisian professional footballer Wissam Ben Yedder (34) have become more frequent as the former AS Monaco captain has repeatedly come into conflict with the law. Today, Tuesday, the footballer, who is without a club, had to take a seat in the dock - and was found guilty.

French-Tunisian professional footballer Wissam Ben Yedder (34) appeared for his trial in the Nice courthouse in south-eastern France on October 15 with his hand over his face.
French-Tunisian professional footballer Wissam Ben Yedder (34) appeared for his trial in the Nice courthouse in south-eastern France on October 15 with his hand over his face.  © Valery HACHE/AFP

The 34-year-old faced serious charges in the run-up to the sentencing hearing at the criminal court in the French city of Nice. He was charged with drunk driving, resisting law enforcement and sexual harassment.

"I don't remember anything, I can't say whether I did it. I'm here because of the alcohol," Ben Yedder claimed during the trial - and at the same time vehemently denied the sexual offense on his shoulders, which had a drastic impact on the victim's life.

However, the judges themselves were of a different opinion, finding him guilty on all three counts and sentencing him to a two-year suspended prison sentence, a fine of 5,000 euros and a duty of care and compensation.

In addition, Ben Yedder, who had registered with a rehab program after the crime, must surrender his driving license for six months.

Sexual assault on woman: professional footballer Wissam Ben Yedder sentenced

Ben Yedder was under contract with the principality club from 2019 to 2024, scoring 118 goals in 201 competitive matches. (archive picture)
Ben Yedder was under contract with the principality club from 2019 to 2024, scoring 118 goals in 201 competitive matches. (archive picture)  © CLEMENT MAHOUDEAU/AFP

The convicted man was traveling with a 23-year-old woman on the night of September 7, masturbated in the car and also attempted to perform sexual acts on her.

The victim then reported the incident to the police, who were able to arrest the footballer in the Alpes-Maritimes department.

Psychological violence against his still-wife, tax evasion: the 19-time French international has already had to answer to the courts several times.

Ben Yedder is also accused of raping a woman in the summer of 2023.