Karim Benzema needed just 64 minutes in his Al Hilal debut to score his first hat-trick for the club
The French striker was responsible for half of the goals in his team’s 6–0 victory over Al-Okhdood.
The "Benzema Effect" has officially arrived in Riyadh, and it took less than 45 minutes for Al Hilal to realize they have signed a game-changer. In his first official appearance since his controversial move from Al Ittihad, Karim Benzema delivered a masterclass, leading the league leaders to a crushing 6-0 victory over Al Okhdood on Matchday 20 of the Saudi Pro League.
The "Taco" and the Hat-Trick: A Statement Debut
The French striker wasted no time justifying his arrival. In the 31st minute, Benzema opened the scoring with a moment of pure genius: a backheel finish (the "taco") off a pinpoint cross from the left wing that left both the defenders and the crowd in disbelief.
But the former Real Madrid captain wasn't finished. He dominated the second half, adding two more clinical goals to complete his debut hat-trick. The performance proved that even at 38, Benzema’s hierarchy and "killer instinct" remain entirely intact. The rout was completed by a goal from Malcom—assisted by Benzema—and a late brace from the local hero, Salem Al-Dawsari.
The Numbers: Why Benzema Left Jeddah
Benzema’s move to Al Hilal on a one-and-a-half-year contract came after a breakdown in relations at Al Ittihad. Tensions boiled over when the Frenchman rejected a renewal offer he reportedly found "disrespectful." He leaves Jeddah after two and a half seasons, boasting an impressive tally of 54 goals and 17 assists in 83 matches, along with two major titles.
With this win, Al Hilal reaches 50 points, standing as the only unbeaten team in the championship. They now sit four points clear of their closest pursuers, Al Nassr.
The "Ronaldo War": A Protest in Riyadh
While Benzema celebrates, the atmosphere at Al Nassr is increasingly toxic. Cristiano Ronaldo, who just celebrated his 41st birthday, is reportedly in open conflict with the club’s leadership. CR7 has expressed deep frustration over the "investment gap" between the PIF-backed clubs, feeling that Al Hilal has been unfairly prioritized in the transfer market.
The tension reached a breaking point this week when Ronaldo was left out of the matchday squad by his manager—a move widely interpreted as a "strike" or a formal protest by the Portuguese legend. As Al Hilal pulls away at the top of the table, the rift between Ronaldo and the Al Nassr board threatens to derail their entire 2026 campaign.
