Matchweek 1 Talking Points: Benzema, Felix, Millot, Nkota all feature

Well, that was a Matchweek 1 to remember. The Roshn Saudi League came back with a bang last week, with 32 goals across its nine matches.

But it wasn’t just the ball hitting the back of the net – there was so much to cheer, and to get excited about for the season ahead.

Here, we pick out some of the main talking points from a rousing first round. 

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Benzema leads champs’ defence

First round, first goal and first hat-trick of the season.

It took Karim Benzema all of four minutes to open his 2025-26 RSL account. By the hour mark at Al Okhdood, he had secured the match ball.

With it, Al Ittihad had a 5-2 win - and laid down a marker, too. The reigning champions, with brilliant Benzema at their tip, aren’t resting on their laurels. They’re determined that title stays in Jeddah.

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RSL’s striking ranks STACKED

Speaking of hat-tricks, or serious striking quality, there was no shortage on display.

Joao Felix matched Benzema with a treble on RSL debut as Al Nassr cast off Al Taawoun 5-0. Cristiano Ronaldo, of course, got his now-obligatory goal. In Riyadh, Joshua King marked his RSL bow with a brace as Al Khaleej upset Al Shabab.

Back in Dammam, 2024-25 Serie A top scorer Mateo Retegui netted twice on debut for Al Qadsiah to see off new boys Al Najmah, while Julian Quinones got the other in a 3-1 victory.

Meanwhile, Ivan Toney notched the winner for Al Ahli at home to NEOM SC. And there were many others. This season’s race for Ronaldo’s golden boot? Hold onto your hats.

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Debutants dazzle

OK, so we’ve mentioned Felix, Retegui and King. But that wasn’t all when it came to summer recruits shining on debut.

Enzo Millot was excellent for Al Ahli. Youngster Saimon Bouabre excelled for NEOM SC. John Buckley scored for Al Kholood, even if they lost at Al Ettifaq, where Mohau Nkota stole the headlines for the hosts. Jason and Alfa Semedo sealed the win for Al Fayha at Al Fateh.

Elsewhere, Kingsley Coman got in on the act for Al Nassr. Iraqi Ali Jasim grabbed Al Najmah’s first-ever RSL goal. And that's just scratching the surface. The league's new additions appear to have started where they mean to go on.

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Al Ettifaq’s star boy

It’s difficult to single out one newbie, but Nkota has brought such an energy to Al Ettifaq.

It’s not even simply the debut goal, when he began the move with a sumptuous bit of skill before arriving on the edge of the penalty area to finish it.

It’s the joy with which he plays the game, the beaming smile that seems almost permanent. The South African has hit the ground running - and we’re so excited to see what else is to come.

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Positives for new boys

Admittedly, it wasn’t the greatest of starts for the three promoted clubs, with Al Hazem the only side to avoid defeat (they drew at Damac). However, there was still plenty to be pleased about.

Al Hazem really should’ve won, but RSL all-time top scorer Omar Al Somah skied his penalty late on. Al Najmah? They were given a treacherous first RSL outing at Al Qadsiah, but stayed in the game right until stoppage-time.

Meanwhile, NEOM SC were denied at least a point at Asian champions Al Ahli by Edouard Mendy’s magnificence. The home goalkeeper was Man of the Match. It speaks to NEOM SC's endeavour.