Benzema scores hattrick on his debut for Al-Hilal

2026-02-05 - 22:06

Al-Hilal’s Karim Benzema (left) celebrates after scoring on his debut against Al-Akhdoud at Prince Hathloul bin Abdulaziz Sports City Stadium. (AL Hilal pic) NAJRAN: Karim Benzema scored a hattrick and grabbed an assist on his debut for Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Hilal as they thrashed lowly Al-Akhdoud 6-0 on Thursday. The 38-year-old joined Al-Hilal on Monday after reports said he turned down an offer to extend his contract with Al-Ittihad, who he joined on a free transfer in 2023 after 14 years with Real Madrid. The former France striker made an immediate impact for his new side as he broke the deadlock in style with a back-heel touch after seizing on a loose ball inside the area shortly after the half-hour mark. Benzema doubled the score with a low, close-range drive in the 60th minute and four minutes later completed his hattrick with another close-range effort. The Frenchman set up Malcom for Al-Hilal’s fourth, shortly before being substituted in the 71st minute. “It was an important game today. So we are happy, we play well, we do a clean sheet and we score so we are happy,” Benzema said. “Everybody is good with me they give me everything so when I am on the pitch I give everything for them,” he added. Salem Al-Dawsari, the AFC Player of the Year for 2025, completed the rout with a brace.