Karim Benzema announced himself in style at Al Hilal, scoring a stunning hat-trick on his debut in a 6-0 thrashing of Al Okhdood in the Saudi Pro League.
The French striker struck in the 31st, 60th and 64th minutes, racing his new team into a 3-0 lead and immediately showing why the club moved so quickly to sign him. Al Hilal kept the momentum going, stretching the scoreline to 5-0 before adding a sixth in stoppage time to round off a statement victory.
Benzema’s blistering start comes less than 72 hours after completing a surprise move from Al Ittihad, a transfer that sparked huge debate across Saudi football.
The 2023 Ballon d’Or winner had played a key role in Ittihad’s league title last season, but has wasted no time winning over his new supporters in Riyadh. With Malcom and Salem Al Dawsari also on the scoresheet and heavily involved in the goals, Al Hilal’s attack looked fluid, hungry and ruthless.
For Benzema, this debut hat-trick sets a powerful early tone for his new chapter, raising expectations that he can lead Al Hilal’s charge for domestic and continental glory this season.
