Karim Benzema scores hat-trick on Al Hilal debut and sends message to Al Ittihad
Karim Benzema enjoyed a sensational debut with Al Hilal, leaders of the Saudi Pro League, scoring three goals in his first appearance. Despite the dominant performance, the former Real Madrid striker could not avoid questions surrounding his unexpected departure from Al Ittihad
Karim Benzema enjoyed a sensational debut with Al Hilal, leaders of the Saudi Pro League, scoring three goals in his first appearance. Despite the dominant performance, the former Real Madrid striker could not avoid questions surrounding his unexpected departure from Al Ittihad, prompting a tense response.
Benzema reacts angrily to questions about Al Ittihad exit
Following Al Hilal’s emphatic win over Al Okhdood, Benzema was repeatedly asked about his exit from Al Ittihad. Initially, the French forward asked to focus solely on his new chapter, but later delivered a blunt message.
“Let’s just talk about the match. I feel a great vibe with this group and this club,” he said after the game in which he scored three times.
When asked why he did not say goodbye to his former teammates, Benzema replied sharply: “Do you know? Do you know? Ask them… ask them.”

Benzema signing and Cristiano Ronaldo backdrop
Benzema’s arrival at Al Hilal was one of the most high-profile moves in Saudi football. Hours later, the league faced another shock when Cristiano Ronaldo refused to play for Al Nassr, currently second in the standings.
While Ronaldo has not spoken publicly, Portuguese media reports suggest his frustration is linked to the management fund that oversees Al Nassr and other clubs, which he reportedly believes has not been fair.













