Hat-Trick Hero: Benzema Delivers a Historic Night for Al-Ittihad
9 January 2026
Match context
Karim Benzema, captain of Al-Ittihad, etched his name in the club’s history by delivering a first-half hat-trick in the clash with Al-Kholoud during the 14th round of the Saudi Pro League.
The French forward struck three times in the opening half, with strikes at 13, 28 and 35 minutes, giving the Merazim a rapid and convincing advantage as the game progressed.
With this performance, Benzema lifted his league tally to seven goals this season, reinforcing his status as a key attacking force for the team despite past criticisms.
In the context of club records, his treble made him the joint-most prolific scorer for Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League era, reaching four hat-tricks and moving past Mokhtar Flata in the all-time list.
The narrative of the season also cites earlier trebles against Abha and Al-Wehda, underscoring Benzema’s ongoing impact in the ongoing campaign.
Additionally, the season’s early chapters show Al-Ittihad scoring heavily, with Benzema driving the charge as the club contends for top honours as the calendar moves forward.
Historic significance
The treble stands as a milestone in the Saudi Pro League era, highlighting Benzema’s ability to impact games at will and to translate individual quality into team success, a feat that reverberates through the league’s competitive landscape.
Such performances also illustrate how a player of his pedigree can recalibrate expectations and elevate a club’s ambitions, especially as Al-Ittihad pursues domestic silverware this season.
Season impact
The win accelerates Al-Ittihad’s campaign, contributing to its early-season offensive stats as the team sits among the league’s most potent attacking outfits. Benzema’s influence is a central storyline as the league progresses, and fans will be watching to see if he can sustain this level through the remainder of the season.
Punchline time: If Benzema were a Wi‑Fi signal, every match would come with full bars and fewer buffering moments. And if jokes scored goals, this hat-trick would have the stadium on a standing ovation—net gains, literally and figuratively.
