Benzema Takes Charge as Al-Hilal Open a New Chapter Against Al-Akhudud
5 February 2026
Lineups for Al-Hilal vs Al-Akhudud
French star Karim Benzema earns trust from his coach as he starts for Al-Hilal against Al-Akhudud in a Saudi Pro League clash.
The Italian coach, Simone Inzaghi, decided to start the French striker Karim Benzema in the leader's XI for the showdown.
Benzema joined the club a few days earlier on a deal worth 18 months after parting ways with Al-Ittihad amid stalled renewal talks.
The coach did not hesitate, starting the French star alongside Salem Al-Dawsari and Brazilian Malcolm De Oliveira.
Al-Hilal seeks to end a run of three draws in its last matches against Riyadh, Al-Qadsiah, and Al-Ahli, yet still tops the table with 47 points, one clear of Al-Nassr.
Goalkeeper: Yassine Bounou.
Defense: Hamad Al-Yami, Kalidou Koulibaly, Ali Al-Lajami, Theo Hernandez.
Midfield: Savić, Ruben Neves, Nasser Al-Dawsari.
Attack: Malcolm, Karim Benzema, Salem Al-Dawsari.
Punchlines: If Benzema keeps scoring, the net might need a mortgage. Opponents will need a satellite dish to track his shots.
