Al Hilal secured their 12th Saudi King's Cup title with a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over Al Kholood, extending Karim Benzema's remarkable trophy haul since his move to the Middle East. The Blues fell behind early but orchestrated a decisive first-half turnaround to claim the prestigious silverware for the third time in four years, with the match attended by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Al Kholood's Ramiro Enrique stunned the favorites with a fourth-minute opener, exploiting gaps in Simone Inzaghi's defensive setup. However, Al Hilal responded with clinical efficiency, netting twice in five minutes to seize control. Nasser Al-Dawsari equalized in the 42nd minute before Theo Hernandez struck the decisive winner during first-half stoppage time, with Benzema providing the crucial assist that cemented victory.
Benzema Extends Trophy Legacy in Saudi Arabia
The French striker has become synonymous with success since arriving at Al Hilal in February 2025, following a prolific spell at Al Ittihad where he won the Saudi Pro League and King's Cup during the 2024-25 campaign. This latest triumph represents his third major honor in Saudi football, demonstrating his enduring ability to deliver when it matters most. His partnership with the club's midfield has yielded immediate dividends, with Benzema's experience proving invaluable in high-pressure knockout environments.
Al Kholood's defeat masks a historic achievement for the fairytale finalists. The American-owned club, backed by investor Ben Harburg, became the first foreign-owned side to reach a Saudi cup final. Despite sitting 12 places below Al Hilal in the league standings, they showcased remarkable growth through their community-driven model, nearly upsetting the established order in what represents only their second season in the Pro League.
Title Race Intensifies for Al Hilal
Al Hilal's celebrations must give way to urgent preparation for the Capital Derby against Al Nassr on May 12—a fixture with profound implications for the Saudi Pro League title race. Currently second with 77 points from 31 matches, Inzaghi's side trail Al Nassr by five points but hold a crucial game in hand. Victory would keep their domestic double dream alive and maintain control of their destiny, whereas defeat would mathematically hand the league crown to their rivals and deny them back-to-back titles.
