Karim Benzema made an unforgettable entrance into life with Al-Hilal, scoring a brilliant hat-trick during his debut match in the Saudi Pro League. The 38-year-old French forward, who recently switched from rivals Al-Ittihad, helped his new team secure a commanding 6-0 victory over Al-Okhdood on Thursday.
The game, played away from home, saw Benzema open his account in spectacular fashion. In the 31st minute, he showcased his trademark flair with a clever back-heel finish after pouncing on a loose ball in the penalty area. This goal set the tone for what would become a dominant performance by the league leaders.
After the break, Benzema continued his scoring spree. He netted his second in the 60th minute with a precise low drive, finishing off a neat square pass from teammate Malcom. Just four minutes later, in the 64th minute, he completed his hat-trick with a simple close-range tap-in, capping off a dream start. Beyond his three goals, Benzema also delivered a key assist, contributing to the team’s overall attacking display. His efforts earned him the man-of-the-match honors.
Al-Hilal’s victory was comprehensive, with additional goals from Malcom in the 70th minute and a brace from Salem Al-Dawsari in the 74th and 90+3rd minutes, rounding out the 6-0 scoreline. The result reinforced Al-Hilal’s position at the top of the Saudi Pro League standings.
Post-match, Benzema highlighted the positive atmosphere within the squad. He spoke about the strong team spirit and collective effort, choosing to focus on the group’s success rather than addressing questions about his high-profile transfer from Al-Ittihad. Teammates echoed this sentiment, with midfielder Sergej Milinković-Savić praising the shared contributions that made the win possible.
Fans and analysts alike hailed the performance as a perfect debut for the former Real Madrid star. His immediate impact has generated excitement about how he could influence Al-Hilal’s title push in the coming months. The clinical finishing, vision, and leadership Benzema brought to the pitch reminded everyone of his world-class quality, even at 38.
This emphatic win not only boosted morale but also sent a strong message to the rest of the league. With Benzema now in their ranks, Al-Hilal appear even more formidable as they chase domestic glory.