Veteran French striker Karim Benzema faces a unique psychological and technical challenge that transcends mere on-field competition, touching upon a kind of "historical complex" that plagued him in his early days with major clubs. With his controversial move to Al-Hilal during the last winter transfer window, all eyes are on the upcoming "Clásico," where the French goalscorer hopes to break the bad luck that has followed his major opening matches, whether in European or Saudi stadiums.
A history of rocky beginnings in Spain
Looking back to the golden era of La Liga, we find that Benzema experienced a similar scenario when he moved to Real Madrid. In his first Clásico for Los Blancos against arch-rivals Barcelona in 2009, the French star was unable to taste victory, as his team suffered a defeat. Despite his later legendary career with Real Madrid and his Ballon d'Or win, that debut remains a significant milestone in his record of first-team appearances.
The curse of beginnings haunts him in Saudi Arabia
The situation wasn't much different when Benzema arrived in Saudi Arabia via Al-Ittihad. The statistics reveal a striking paradox: Benzema played his first derby matches in the "Dean's" jersey against Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, and Al-Shabab, losing all of them. In his four major opening matches with his previous clubs, Benzema suffered defeat in every single one, managing only a modest goal and one assist – a far cry from the immense talent of one of the world's best strikers.
An emotional encounter in Al-Hilal's jersey
The upcoming match takes on a special dramatic dimension, as Benzema will play his first derby in Al-Hilal's jersey against his former club, Al-Ittihad, less than three weeks after leaving the Tigers. This sensitive timing places the player under double pressure: the pressure to prove himself with his new team and the emotional pressure of facing his former teammates. Sports fans, both locally and internationally, are eagerly awaiting to see if Benzema will finally break this streak and achieve his first victory in an opening derby match, or if the curse of poor starts will continue to haunt him in the Al-Hilal jersey.
The global importance of the Saudi Clasico
This match comes at a time when the Saudi Professional League is experiencing unprecedented growth and widespread global attention, placing Benzema's every move under intense scrutiny. Should the Frenchman score or lead Al-Hilal to victory, it will not merely be a win in a single match, but rather the dawn of a new era, free from any "beginning complex," and a powerful message confirming his readiness to write a new chapter in Saudi football history.
