Karim Benzema's Instagram Account Taken Offline Hours After Al-Ittihad's 5-2 Loss To Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr

Karim Benzema's Instagram account has been taken offline.

Benzema had built up 76 million followers but his account was either deleted or suspended shortly after Al-Ittihad lost 5-2 to Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr on Tuesday.

Ronaldo converted two penalty kicks in that game, while Benzema failed to score.

Fans attempting to view Benzema's Instagram profile are currently being shown the message: "Sorry, this page isn't available. The link you followed may be broken, or the page may have been removed."

It is not clear whether Benzema's withdrawal from Instagram is linked to his underwhelming form on the field.

The 36-year-old has endured a frustrating time in Saudi Arabia since joining Al-Ittihad from Real Madrid in June.

Benzema has scored 15 goals in 24 games but he has been criticized by fans and journalists for his apparent unwillingness to work hard without the ball, while the team's results have gotten significantly worse since his arrival.

Fellow former UEFA Champions League winners Fabinho and N'Golo Kante also signed for Al-Ittihad in the summer.

But the reigning Saudi Pro League champions have taken just 28 points from the first 18 rounds of fixtures this season.

Al-Ittihad currently sit sixth in the SPL - 22 points behind leaders Al-Hilal.

Karim Benzema has seemingly deactivated his Instagram account

IMAGO/Sports Press Photo/Alexandre Neto