Karim Benzema marked his Al-Hilal debut with a hat-trick in a dominant 6-0 victory over Al-Okhdood, drawing public congratulations from former Real Madrid teammates Luka Modric, Marcelo, and Vinicius Junior.
The 38-year-old French striker, a former Ballon d’Or winner, joined Al-Hilal on a free transfer on the final day of the recent transfer window. His move followed a reported refusal of a contract offer from Al-Ittihad. Three days after his arrival was confirmed, Benzema showcased his predatory instinct in Riyadh.
The match unfolded with Benzema opening his account after the 30-minute mark, finishing smartly with a back-heel from a loose ball inside the box. He doubled his tally at the hour, converting a close-range low shot, and completed his hat-trick four minutes later with another finish from near the goal line. His contribution extended to a fourth goal in the 71st minute, where he provided the assist for Malcom.
Salem Al Dawsari added two further goals, in the 74th and 93rd minutes, to secure the comprehensive win. Following the match, Benzema expressed his satisfaction on social media, stating, “Proud of the team. Thank you for the support and the warm welcome.”
The performance prompted reactions from several of his long-time Real Madrid colleagues. Modric and Marcelo responded to Benzema’s post with sequences of fire emojis. Vinicius Junior, still at Real Madrid, commented with “KB oscuridad,” a reference to his initials and a Spanish word for darkness, widely interpreted as a playful nod to Benzema’s nickname.
This impressive debut reinforces Benzema’s immediate impact in the Saudi Pro League following his high-profile departure from Real Madrid, where he spent 14 seasons. His decision to choose Al-Hilal over Al-Ittihad underscores the competitive nature of Saudi football’s recruitment of elite talent. The French forward’s goal-scoring start provides an early indication of the role he is expected to play for the league’s leading club.
