Karim Benzema clashes with reporter after tense Al Hilal debut

February 7, 2026 Oliver Obel

Karim Benzema’s first match for Al Hilal has intensified an already tense debate about competition and control in the Saudi Pro League.

The former Real Madrid striker scored three goals in a 6–0 away win over Al Akhdoud on Thursday, a result that immediately lifted Al Hilal clear at the top of the standings. But the performance came amid wider fallout from his transfer and from the reaction of rival clubs and players.

A transfer with immediate impact

Benzema, 38, joined Al Hilal on Monday after declining a contract extension at Al Ittihad, where he played last season. The move stood out not just because of his profile, but because it involved two clubs with a long-standing rivalry and regular title ambitions.

Al Hilal’s win pushed them three points ahead of Al Ahli. Al Nassr, who won the league last season, sit another point back with a game in hand, leaving little margin for error early in the title race.

Ronaldo objections reported

According to ESPN, Cristiano Ronaldo privately objected to Benzema’s move, believing it reflected an uneven balance in how clubs are being strengthened. ESPN reported that Ronaldo felt the deal suggested the Saudi Public Investment Fund was seeking to “pave the way for Al Hilal to win the title.”

Ronaldo did not play in Al Nassr’s league match against Al Riyadh on Monday. Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano later reported that the Portugal international is also planning to sit out Friday’s fixture against Al Ittihad, remaining “upset” about how some Saudi clubs including Al Nassr are being run.

Benzema answers questions sharply

Benzema, meanwhile, focused on his start with Al Hilal. His hat-trick against Al Akhdoud came in front of a largely partisan away crowd and quickly shifted attention back to football.

That changed during his post-match interview, when questions returned to his exit from Al Ittihad.

“Do you want to talk about the game or do you want to talk about that? Talk about the game,” Benzema said.

When asked whether Al Hilal teammates had supported him more than those at his former club, he replied: “I didn't say that. I said I feel good – it's different.”

A final question about not saying goodbye to Al Ittihad players drew a blunt response: “What? You know? You know? Ask them.”

https://twitter.com/futbol_hubX/status/2019706451254710652

League issues clarification

As discussion around the transfer and Ronaldo’s response continued, the Saudi Pro League released a public statement addressing concerns about how decisions are made.

“The Saudi Pro League is structured around a simple principle: every club operates independently under the same rules,” the statement said.

It added that recruitment, spending and strategy are determined by individual clubs within a financial framework intended to ensure sustainability and competitive balance across the league.

The statement was notable for its timing, arriving as questions persist over whether star-driven disputes could shape the season as much as results on the pitch.

Sources: ESPN, Fabrizio Romano, Saudi Pro League