Benzema Breaks Silence: The Unsaid Goodbye Drama and a Hat-Trick Debut in Saudi Pro League
5 February 2026
Benzema Breaks His Silence
The French star Karim Benzema, the new striker of Al Hilal, spoke out with provocative remarks about not being bid farewell by his former teammates at Al Ittihad, delivering them in a firm tone.
Benzema made his first appearance for the club, scoring a hat-trick to lead the Leader to a 6-0 victory over Al Akhdoud on Thursday night, in the 21st round of the Saudi Pro League.
He faced a surprising question from the press about not receiving a goodbye from Al Ittihad after his departure, replying: "You should ask them about that; I am here to talk about the match."
"If you have questions about the game, ask them, because I am not here to talk about Al Ittihad," he added.
On the difference between scoring a hat-trick with Hilal and with Al Ittihad, he said: "There is no difference; what matters is winning and earning the three points."
The French star also emphasized keeping his composure and focusing with Hilal in the coming period.
Recently Benzema sparked controversy by refusing to play for Al Ittihad and agreeing to a mutual termination, before joining Hilal on an 18-month contract.
The transfer, a big talking point, marks a fresh start for Benzema in Saudi football.
Punchline: If Benzema can juggle a hat-trick and a farewell saga, I can juggle a coffee and a to-do list.
Punchline: Welcome to Saudi football—where headlines are hotter than the heat and the goals are even hotter.
