Benzema scores hat-trick on Al Hilal debut and helps club widen gap with Ronaldo’s Al Nassr

Karim Benzema scored a hat-trick and picked up an assist on his debut for Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Hilal as they defeated lowly Al-Akhdoud 6-0 at the Prince Hathloul bin Abdulaziz Sports City Stadium in Najran, Saudi Arabia on Thursday source 4.

The 38-year-old joined Al-Hilal on Monday after reports claimed he rejected an offer to extend his contract with Al-Ittihad, who he joined on a free transfer in 2023 after 14 years at Real Madrid.

The former France striker made an immediate impact for his new side as he broke the deadlock in style with a back-heel strike after latching on to a loose ball in the area shortly after the half-hour mark source 5.

Benzema doubled the score with a low drive from close range in the 60th minute and four minutes later completed his hat-trick with another effort from close range.

The Frenchman set up ‍Malcom for Al-Hilal’s fourth shortly before being substituted in the 71st minute.

«It was an important match today. So we are happy, we are playing well, we are keeping a clean sheet and we are scoring, so we are happy,» Benzema said.

“Everyone is good for me, they give me everything, so when I’m on the pitch I give everything for them,” he added.

Salem Al-Dawsari, the AFC Player of the Year for 2025, completed the rout with a brace source 6.

After the victory, Al Hilal have 50 points from twenty games, four more than second-placed Al Nassr led by Cristiano Ronaldo, who will play this round’s match against Al Ittihad later today.

(with input from Reuters)

Published on February 6, 2026