His reputation was proven even before his debut. Karim Benzema exploded with a hat trick in his first match wearing the Al Hilal uniform, instantly dominating the Saudi stage. The attention mixed with transfer controversy and expectations was resolved by the result in less than 90 minutes.
Benzema started the away match in round 20 of the 2025-2026 Saudi Pro League against Al Okhdood at Prince Hathloul bin Abdulaziz Sports City Stadium in Najran, Saudi Arabia, on the 6th (Korean time) and recorded 3 goals and 1 assist. Al Hilal won 6-0, and the new striker was at the center of the team from his debut.
The standings are clear as well. Al Ahli Saudi are second with 47 points, 3 points behind, and Al Nassr, with one game fewer, are third with 46 points. Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr is in pursuit, but Al Hilal has seized control with the sure card of Benzema.
The start was instinct. In the 31st minute of the first half, amid a scramble in the box, a shot struck with the right heel while his back was to the goal and hit the net. It was a goal that needed no explanation. Riding the momentum, Benzema completed his hat trick with consecutive goals in the 15th and 19th minutes of the second half. The scenes contained finishing, positioning and composure all at once.
Scoring was not everything. In the 25th minute of the second half he added an assist by setting up Malcolm's goal. Three goals and one assist. It is a report card that leaves nothing more to ask for in his first match after the transfer. Benzema completed his duties when he was substituted out in the 27th minute of the second half with the team leading 4-0. He played 72 minutes, but his impact was full-time.
This hat trick is his third in the league this season. Including his time at Al Ittihad, Benzema's league goals rose to 11. It is the pace befitting the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner. After 14 seasons at Real Madrid, he left for the Saudi stage and left a clear message that the choice remains valid.
Al Hilal's match management was stable as well. The frontline was organized around Benzema's explosiveness, and Salem Al Dawsari later added multiple goals to widen the score. The result was 6-0. Al Hilal remained unbeaten, sitting first with 15 wins, 5 draws and 50 points.
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