When Karim Benzema joined Saudi Arabia's Al-Ittihad this year on a lucrative deal, a comfortable pre-retirement stint seemed assured for the Ballon d'Or winner.
It is not turning out that way.
A series of missed chances later, including a botched penalty at the Club World Cup, and suddenly the 35-year-old Frenchman is facing the wrath of the Jeddah club's fans.