At Prince Hathloul bin Abdulaziz Sports City on 5/2, Benzema started before being substituted by Sultan Mandash in the 72nd minute.

Karim Benzema celebrates a goal during Al Hilal's 6-0 victory over Al Akhdoud in round 21 of the Saudi Pro League on 5/2/2026. Photo: *Al Hilal*.

The French striker played exceptionally well, touching the ball 31 times, completing 87% of his passes, including two key passes, and taking four shots, three of which were on target. He received a 9,7 rating from Sofascore and was named man of the match.

In the 31st minute, amid a scramble in the penalty area, Benzema scored the opener with a back-heel into an empty net. In the 60th minute, Malcom broke free on the left and crossed to the French striker, who tapped in from close range to make it 2-0. The former Real Madrid striker completed his hat-trick with another tap-in just four minutes later, extending the lead to 3-0.

Karim Benzema receives the man of the match award. Photo: *Al Hilal*.

In the 70th minute, Benzema's misfired shot inadvertently became an assist for Malcom, who slotted into an empty net to make it 4-0. After the 38-year-old striker left the field, Al Hilal continued to dominate, adding two more goals through a brace from Saudi winger Salem Al-Dawsari.

With the 6-0 victory, Al Hilal solidified their position at the top of the Saudi Pro League with 50 points, three points clear of Al Ahli and four points ahead of Al Nassr.

Benzema's three goals and one assist.

On 3/2, Benzema completed his move to Al Hilal after declining a contract extension with Al Ittihad. The French striker signed a contract with Al Hilal until 6/2027 and will wear the number 90 jersey. He shone brightly in his debut, despite having only two training sessions with his new club.

In addition to Benzema, Al Hilal's squad features several stars who previously played in Europe, including: Theo Hernandez, African champion Kalidou Koulibaly, former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez, former Bordeaux winger Malcom, Ruben Neves, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, and young talent Kader Meite, who recently joined from Rennes.

Benzema's transfer to Al Hilal, backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), is reportedly the reason behind Al Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo's rebellion. The Portuguese striker refused to play in the last match to protest PIF's favoritism towards Al Hilal over Al Nassr, despite both clubs being under the fund's management.

Ronaldo has returned to training with Al Nassr but is likely to miss today's 6/2 match against Al Ittihad in round 21 of the Saudi Pro League, as he has not received clear commitments from PIF regarding changes to Al Nassr's management structure and investment strategy.

Hong Duy