Karim Benzema after Hattrick in Debut at Al Hilal: We Need the Supporters

JAKARTA - Karim Benzema thanked Al Hilal supporters after scoring a hat-trick on his debut for the Saudi Pro League club.

The French striker joined the leader of the Saudi Pro League from his rival, Al Ittihad, on Monday, February 2, 2026, and immediately had an impact.

Benzema received the best player of the match award after scoring three goals and providing one assist in the 6-0 league victory over Al Okhdood on Friday, February 6, 2026 WIB.

"I'm happy. I'm happy because I played well, we played well, we kept the goal clean and we scored."

"Thank you to all the supporters. We need them in every game. Everyone is nice to me."

"They gave me everything. So, when I'm on the pitch, I give everything to them," Benzema said after the game.

Benzema arrived in Saudi Arabia in the summer of 2023 after 14 years full of trophies. The 2022 Ballon d'Or winner was instrumental in Al Ittihad's success in winning the league title and the King's Cup last season.

However, the 38-year-old striker decided to move to Al Hilal in January 2026 as he felt he was not valued with the contract extension Al Ittihad offered him to stay at the club after June 2026.

Launching ESPN, Al Ittihad's new contract offer makes Benzema play without receiving payment.