Hat-trick! “Stratospheric” Karim Benzema delivers great show in Saudi Arabia

The 36-year-old Frenchman scored his first goal after just two minutes. Immediately after the restart, he made it 4-1 and scored his last goal shortly before the final whistle.

His hat-trick also earned him the “Man of the Match” award after the final whistle, as Al-Ittihad announced on its X-Account. His appearance also sparked enthusiasm in the country of his former employer Real Madrid. The Spanish sports newspaper AS spoke of a “stratospheric” performance by the striker.

Benzema moved to Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia on a free transfer in the summer of 2023 after his contract with Real Madrid ended. The 36-year-old still has a contract there that runs until June 30, 2026.

Last season, he only managed 13 goals in 29 competitive matches due to several injuries. In the current season, the Frenchman has already scored four goals after three games.