Benzema Ignites Al Hilal with Electrifying Saudi Pro League Debut Goal
5 February 2026
Matchday Moment
Karim Benzema wasted no time proving his impact in his Saudi Pro League debut for Al Hilal, scoring a stunning goal against Al Akhdoud on Thursday night.
Al Hilal remain atop the table with 47 points, just one clear of Al Nassr as the title race enters a decisive stretch.
The opener arrived in the 31st minute when a clearance ricocheted to Benzema near the edge of the box, and he controlled and finished with a deft backheel that slipped past the goalkeeper.
Significantly, this was Benzema's first goal since joining the club 48 hours earlier on an 18-month contract after parting ways with Al Ittihad.
The goal underscored his immediate impact and left the home crowd buzzing about the new era in Riyadh football.
With the win, Al Hilal solidifies its lead in the Saudi Pro League, reaffirming their championship ambitions as the season heats up.
Standings and implications
Al Hilal takes a commanding position at the top, with 47 points and a growing cushion as the campaign reaches its final acts.
Punchline: If goals were jokes, Benzema just delivered a killer opening act—crowd, net, and dignity all satisfied.
Punchline: With this start, the league might need a bigger trophy cabinet—and maybe a map for the opposing defense.