CIV: Brilliant Mohamed Kader Meïté scores first Al Hilal goal of the season

Ivorian striker makes first start and opens scoring in Al Hilal’s 5-1 victory

Mohamed Meïté scored his first goal of the season as Al Hilal defeated Al Khaleej 5-1 away from home in the Saudi Pro League, with the 18-year-old making his first start of the campaign.

The Ivory Coast Under-23 international gave Al Hilal the lead in the 15th minute, taking advantage of his opportunity after being named in the starting line-up for the first time this season.

His goal helped set Al Hilal on their way to a convincing victory in the fourth round of the Saudi Pro League.

For Meïté, the performance provided an encouraging start to his first full season with the Saudi club following his move from Rennes.

Meïté takes his opportunity

Meïté made his presence felt early in the contest by putting Al Hilal ahead after 15 minutes.

The goal was another positive moment for the young forward, who had already shown signs of his attacking threat during the opening stages of the season.

In Al Hilal’s first league match of the campaign, Meïté had won a penalty. He went a step further against Al Khaleej by finding the net himself and helping his side secure all three points.

The result also highlighted the attacking contribution the Ivorian can offer as he continues to establish himself at the club.

His first start of the season therefore ended with a goal and a comfortable team victory.

First full season at Al Hilal

Meïté joined Al Hilal from Rennes in February 2026 in a transfer reported to be worth €30 million.

His first period with the club came during the second half of the previous season, when he made seven appearances and scored once.

The current campaign represents a different opportunity for the 18-year-old because it is his first full season with Al Hilal.

His opening goal of the campaign, combined with his first start, gives him an early platform to build on as the season progresses.

The forward’s contribution against Al Khaleej also comes after he had already shown his ability to influence matches by winning a penalty in Al Hilal’s opening league fixture.

A positive start for Meïté

The goal against Al Khaleej means Meïté has now opened his scoring account for the new Saudi Pro League season.

For a player beginning his first complete campaign with Al Hilal, the timing of the goal is particularly significant.

After making seven appearances and scoring once following his arrival from Rennes last season, the Ivorian now has the opportunity to take on a larger role.

His first start of the campaign provided him with that opportunity, and he responded by scoring inside the opening 15 minutes.

Al Hilal ultimately completed the evening with a 5-1 victory, while Meïté left the match having made a direct contribution to the emphatic result.

At only 18, the Ivorian striker is beginning the new season with positive signs after moving into a campaign in which he will have more time to settle into life at Al Hilal.

His goal against Al Khaleej was therefore an important early moment as he continues his development with the Saudi club.