JAKARTA - Karim Benzema immediately made an impact after his controversial move to Al Hilal, scoring a hat-trick on his debut for the Saudi Pro League club.
The former Real Madrid striker officially signed a contract with the leader of the Saudi Pro League on Monday, February 2, 2026, after moving from Al Ittihad.
After the deal was delayed by the Saudi Sports Ministry and the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the matter was finally resolved on the last day of the transfer window. The 38-year-old got his wish to move clubs in Saudi Arabia.
The first goal for his new club was created just 31 minutes after his debut against Al Okhdood on Friday, February 6, 2026 WIB. The French player scored with a neat heel finish.
Two more goals followed quickly in the second half. In the 60th minute, Benzema scored with an outside foot shot after receiving a cross from his new teammate, Malcom. Only four minutes later he completed a hat-trick with a close-range finish.
Al Hilal won 6-0 and now leads the Saudi Pro League by three points from Al Ahli, while Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr is four points behind in third place despite having one more game.
ESPN previously reported that Benzema felt underappreciated with the contract extension Al Ittihad offered him.
However, his move to Al Hilal, which was arranged by PIF, is reported to have angered Benzema's former Real Madrid teammate Ronaldo.
The Portuguese star then refused to play for Al Nassr on Monday, February 2, 2026, as a form of protest. Ronaldo tried to block Benzema's transfer because he felt it was unfair and indicated that PIF wanted to pave the way for Al Hilal to win the title.
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