Despite having a great season with Real Madrid, Rodrygo has acknowledged that he is “upset” over not being included on the Ballon d’Or shortlist.
Notably absent from the list of 30 players vying for this year’s Ballon d’Or award is the Brazilian, who was instrumental in Madrid’s double-winning season, which included winning both the Champions League and La Liga.
The roster included fellow Madrid players Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe, Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rudiger, and the now-retired Toni Kroos; Rodrygo was left off.
The 23-year-old, who scored 17 goals in 51 games for Real Madrid the previous season, was “surprised” to be left off the roster.
The winger told ESPN, “I think I deserved it, so I was upset.” “I believe I belonged in the 30. I don’t mean to disparage the other guys. It caught me off guard. However, I’m not the one making these decisions, so there’s not much I can do.”
After the 30-man shortlist was revealed, Rodrygo posted a series of pictures on social media highlighting his accomplishments at Real Madrid along with a subdued laughing emoji caption. Later on, he disclosed that the purpose of this post was to ridicule his Ballon d’Or snub.
“I made a somewhat mocking post,” he said. Not much to say at this point. Everyone is aware of my outrage. Everyone at Real Madrid and on the national team has been supportive of me. Messages were sent by people.”
Rodrygo is anticipated to play in Brazil’s World Cup qualifying match against Paraguay on Wednesday after scoring the game’s lone goal in their 1-0 victory against Ecuador on Saturday.
The winger has made five appearances this season and has one goal in all of Madrid’s games.
