Rodrygo, a forward for Real Madrid and Brazil, is upset that he was left off the 30-man shortlist for this year’s Ballon d’Or, which is scheduled to take place later in the year.
Rodrygo scored the only goal for his country in the 1-0 World Cup qualifier against Ecuador on Saturday September 7.
The 23-year-old’s striker was dubiously precluded from the 30-man Ballon d’Or waitlist, having assisted Los Blancos with getting a LaLiga and Champions league double last season.
His teammates Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, Toni Kroos, who has since resigned, Antonio Rudiger and Dani Carvajal were named in the list, yet there was no spot for the forward, who conceded that he was upset to pass up a major opportunity.
His colleague Kylian Mbappe who is the most recent player in Real Madrid team was also named in the list.
Interestingly, there has been speculation that Rodrygo’s position in the Madrid squad may be under threat since the arrival of Mbappe.
Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti looked to diffuse those fears last month and revealed that, the club knows what his qualities are. Rodrygo has up to this point played in four of Madrid’s five games.
Following the victory over Ecuador in the World Cup qualifier, the Brazilian spoke.
‘I’ve scored a few goals [with Brazil] and I want many more. I know my quality and how far I can go.’ He said. ‘I’m still starting out, and I hope that with the help of my teammates I can score many more.’
Rodrygo’s exclusion from the Ballon d’Or shortlist surprised him and many fans too after he scored 10 goals in LaLiga and 5 goals in the Champions League last season.
In response to the news, the forward shared a number of pictures with a laughing emoji of him lifting Madrid trophies.
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The Brazilian acknowledged that he was surprised by the omission and described it as extremely painful.
‘I was upset, I think I deserved it,’ he told ESPN. ‘I don’t want to belittle the players who are there, but I think I had a place in the 30. It was a surprise… But there’s not much I can do, I’m not the one who decides these things.’
‘I made a somewhat mocking post. Now there’s not much to say. Everyone knows my indignation. Everyone [has supported me], both in the national team and at Real Madrid. People sent messages.’
