Karim Benzema announced his arrival at Al‑Hilal in sensational fashion, scoring a hat-trick on his Saudi Pro League debut in a 6–0 victory over Al-Okhdood that instantly endeared him to fans and underscored his enduring quality at 38 years old. Benzema’s performance was the defining moment of the match and a statement of intent following his move from Al‑Ittihad earlier in the winter transfer window.
Debut spectacle sets tone in dominant win
Al-Hilal, already one of the strongest sides in the 2025–26 Saudi Pro League, welcomed Benzema with open arms and watched as he transformed the contest. Right from the first half, the French striker was at the heart of everything positive for his new club. He opened the scoring with a stylish back-heel finish, delighting fans and immediately breaking the deadlock. Benzema added his second from close range in the 60th minute, comfortably slotting past the keeper after a well-worked team move. Four minutes later he completed his hat-trick with another composed finish, cementing his place in the match highlights. He also supplied the assist for Malcom’s goal before being substituted in the 71st minute, having already done enough to secure Man of the Match acclaim.
Records and rare debut achievement
Scoring a hat-trick on debut is exceptionally rare, especially at the highest level. Benzema became one of the few players in Saudi Pro League history to score three goals in his first match for a club, instantly etching his name into the league’s record books and providing a vintage display of poacher instinct and tactical awareness. His performance instantly drew comparisons to headline debut treble feats by other star strikers in the competition’s recent years.
Context behind the transfer
Benzema’s explosion onto the Al-Hilal stage came just days after his free-transfer move from Al-Ittihad, where contract negotiations and a desire for a fresh challenge led him to reject an extension and seek a new chapter. At Al-Ittihad, the French forward had enjoyed success, including contributing significantly to their Saudi Pro League title in 2024–25, but his final months there were marked by speculation and a search for renewed motivation. The chance to join arch-rivals Al-Hilal, a club with deep ambitions both domestically and continentally, proved irresistible to the forward and was realised just before the Saudi window closed.
Check Out: https://www.khelwire.com/articles/karim-benzema-completes-shock-transfer-to-al-hilal-on-deadline-day
In his time at Al-Ittihad, Benzema enjoyed productive spells in front of goal, adding to his already illustrious career that includes over a decade at Real Madrid, where he won multiple La Liga, Champions League and domestic honours.
A strong statement by Al-Hilal
Al-Hilal’s 6–0 scoreline was a complete performance, with Brazilian winger Malcom also starring with a goal and Benzema assist, and Salem Al-Dawsari contributing to the rout. The victory lifted Al-Hilal up the league table and widened the gap over rivals, while reaffirming the club’s aspirations of silverware this season.
For the Saudi Pro League, the spectacle reaffirmed the league’s growing competitiveness and global appeal following its influx of major international stars. Benzema’s debut illuminated that trend, a decorated veteran producing a top-class performance straightaway, and added further intrigue to the title race and continent-wide competitions.
Check Out: https://www.khelwire.com/articles/ngolo-kante-joins-fenerbahce-returns-to-europe-after-saudi-stint
Feels like Real Madrid of Asia: Benzema
In his first media comments as an Al-Hilal player, Benzema likened the club’s stature to that of Real Madrid in Asia, highlighting his ambition to win another league title and make an impact with his new team. The hat-trick debut delivered a powerful on-field response to those lofty expectations and suggested he is ready to play a leading role from the outset of his Al-Hilal journey.
