Karim Benzema scored a hat-trick and grabbed an assist on his debut for Saudi Pro League leaders Al Hilal as they thrashed lowly Al Akhdoud 6-0 on Thursday.
The 38-year-old joined Al Hilal on Monday after reports said he turned down an offer to extend his contract with Al Ittihad, who he joined on a free transfer in 2023 after 14 years with Real Madrid.
The former France striker made an immediate impact for his new side as he broke the deadlock in style with a back-heel touch after seizing on a loose ball inside the area shortly after the half-hour mark.
Benzema doubled the score with a low, close-range drive in the 60th minute and four minutes later completed his hat-trick with another close-range effort.
The Frenchman set up Malcom for Al Hilal's fourth, shortly before being substituted in the 71st minute.
"It was an important game today. So we are happy, we play well, we do a clean sheet and we score so we are happy," Benzema said.
"Everybody is good with me they give me everything so when I am on the pitch I give everything for them," he added.
Salem Al Dawsari, the AFC Player of the Year for 2025, completed the rout with a brace.
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