Darwin Scores Twice, Ziyech Dispute Escalates And Benzema’s Al Hilal Spell Ends

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From Darwin Núñez’s Diriyah breakthrough to Hakim Ziyech’s public Wydad dispute and Karim Benzema’s sudden Al Hilal exit, there’s plenty happening across regional sport. Núñez scored his first two goals for Diriyah, Ziyech publicly called out Wydad president Ibrahim El Asri, and Benzema has reportedly left Al Hilal after just six months.

Darwin Núñez Scores First Diriyah Goals In Al Ettifaq Win

What Is It About
Darwin Núñez scored his first two goals for Diriyah in their 3-0 Saudi Pro League win over Al Ettifaq. The Uruguay striker was named Man of the Match as Diriyah climbed to sixth in the table.

Why It Matters
Núñez opened up after the match about the six difficult months he spent unable to compete at Al Hilal, saying he would not wish that experience on any player. “We just want to play, to be happy,” he said.

What’s Next
Speaking to Thmanyah, Núñez summed up his turnaround by saying: “After the storm comes the sun.” His first goals now give Diriyah a major boost as he starts to rebuild momentum in the Saudi Pro League.

Hakim Ziyech Calls Out Wydad President

What Is It About
Hakim Ziyech has publicly called out Wydad president Ibrahim El Asri as tensions between the player and club continue to grow. Ziyech said the president was behind the decision to stop him from playing in a friendly and travelling with the squad to Agadir.

Why It Matters
Ziyech also claimed El Asri would “probably lie about it, as always,” making the dispute even more public. The tension comes amid reported disagreements over his contract, with Wydad’s new management looking to reduce the financial burden of a deal reportedly worth around €80,000 to €100,000 per month.

What’s Next
Ziyech has rejected proposals to lower the terms of his deal and remains under contract with Wydad until 2027. For now, the situation leaves one of Morocco’s biggest football names in an open dispute with his own club.

Karim Benzema Leaves Al Hilal After Six Months

What Is It About
Fabrizio Romano reports that Karim Benzema and Al Hilal have mutually agreed to terminate his contract, ending his time with the Saudi Pro League side after just six months. The 38-year-old French striker will now weigh his next move.

Why It Matters
Benzema’s short Al Hilal spell comes to an early end after one of the most high-profile moves in Saudi football. The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner now has to decide whether to continue playing in Saudi Arabia or retire from football entirely.

What’s Next
A return to Europe has reportedly been ruled out, leaving Benzema with two main options: sign with another Saudi club or call time on his career. For now, his future remains open after a sudden Al Hilal exit.

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SMASHI MOMENTS

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• Mane was debating with a fan over who is better between Al Nassr and Al Hilal

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