Karim Benzema marked his long-anticipated debut for Al-Hilal with a hat trick and an assist Thursday, powering the Saudi Pro League leaders to a commanding 6-0 victory over relegation-threatened Al-Akhdoud and instantly reshaping the title conversation in Saudi football.
Benzema, 38, joined Al-Hilal earlier this week after completing a high-profile move from domestic rivals Al-Ittihad, and his impact was immediate and emphatic. The former Real Madrid and France striker scored three goals, created another and played a central role in a performance that underlined Al-Hilal’s championship credentials.
The result extended Al-Hilal’s lead at the top of the table to three points over Al-Ahli, with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr a further point behind but holding a game in hand.
Benzema opened the scoring shortly after the half-hour mark, converting a loose ball inside the penalty area with a deft back-heel finish that showcased his instincts and composure. The goal settled any lingering questions about how quickly he might adapt to his new surroundings.
According to Reuters, the forward doubled his tally in the 60th minute with a low, close-range effort before completing his hat trick just four minutes later, again from close range, as Al-Akhdoud struggled to cope with Al-Hilal’s relentless attacking pressure.
Benzema’s influence extended beyond his goals. Before leaving the field in the 71st minute, he supplied an assist for Brazilian winger Malcom, setting up Al-Hilal’s fourth goal and drawing a standing ovation from sections of the crowd.
Salem Al-Dawsari, the reigning AFC Player of the Year, added two more goals to complete the rout, capping a dominant team display that combined pace, movement and clinical finishing.
“It was an important game today,” Benzema said afterward. “We are happy. We played well, we kept a clean sheet and we scored, so we are happy.”
He also emphasized the reception he has received from teammates since arriving. “Everybody is good with me. They give me everything, so when I am on the pitch, I give everything for them,” he said.
Benzema officially signed for Al-Hilal on Monday after declining an offer to extend his contract with Al-Ittihad, whom he joined in 2023 on a free transfer following 14 trophy-laden seasons with Real Madrid. His switch ended days of speculation and followed negotiations involving the Saudi Ministry of Sports and the Public Investment Fund, which oversees several top clubs in the league.
ESPN reported that the move had been delayed by administrative issues before being finalized on deadline day, allowing Benzema to complete a rare high-profile transfer between Saudi Pro League rivals.
The network also reported that Benzema felt undervalued by the contract proposal offered by Al-Ittihad, prompting his decision to seek a new challenge despite having joined the club only a year earlier.
His arrival at Al-Hilal immediately strengthens a squad already viewed as one of the deepest in Asia. With Benzema leading the line, supported by creative players such as Malcom and Al-Dawsari, Al-Hilal appear well-equipped to pursue both domestic and continental success.
Beyond the pitch, the transfer has generated ripple effects across the Saudi Pro League. ESPN reported that Benzema’s move has angered Cristiano Ronaldo, his former Real Madrid teammate and now the face of Al-Nassr. Sources cited by ESPN said Ronaldo viewed the transfer as unfair and believed it tilted the competitive balance in favor of Al-Hilal.
According to the same report, Ronaldo declined to play for Al-Nassr earlier in the week as a form of protest, having unsuccessfully attempted to block Benzema’s move. ESPN reported that Ronaldo believed the Public Investment Fund was seeking to clear a path for Al-Hilal to secure the league title.
Neither Al-Nassr nor Ronaldo has publicly commented on those claims.
From a competitive standpoint, Benzema’s debut performance reinforces the Saudi Pro League’s growing reputation as a destination for elite players capable of influencing matches at the highest level. While critics have questioned whether veteran stars can maintain intensity over a long season, Benzema’s sharp movement, finishing and link-up play suggested little sign of decline.
Analytically, Al-Hilal’s tactical structure appears well-suited to maximize Benzema’s strengths. Unlike systems that demand constant pressing from a central striker, Al-Hilal’s approach allows Benzema to conserve energy, drop into pockets of space and act as a facilitator as well as a finisher. His assist for Malcom illustrated how defenders drawn to his presence can create openings for wide players.
The broader implication for the league is significant. Benzema’s seamless integration raises the competitive bar for rivals and intensifies scrutiny on how other clubs deploy their marquee signings. With Ronaldo, Neymar, Benzema and other global stars now shaping the title race, matches increasingly carry continental and international relevance.
For Al-Hilal, the challenge will be sustaining momentum while balancing domestic fixtures with AFC Champions League ambitions. Thursday’s performance, however, suggested a squad capable of rotating effectively without sacrificing quality.
For Benzema personally, the debut offered a narrative reset after a turbulent end to his time at Al-Ittihad. By delivering immediately, he shifted the conversation away from off-field controversy and back toward footballing output.
As the Saudi Pro League season progresses, Benzema’s presence is likely to draw heightened attention to Al-Hilal’s matches, both domestically and abroad. If his debut is any indication, the league’s newest high-profile transfer may prove decisive in determining where the title ultimately lands.
Reuters/ESPN
