Rodrygo of Real Madrid ‘upset’ over being snubbed for Ballon d’Or

Rodrygo expressed his disappointment over being excluded from this week’s men’s Ballon d’Or shortlist, despite playing a crucial role in Real Madrid’s success last season as they clinched both the LaLiga and Champions League titles.

This season, several of his teammates, including Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, Toni Kroos — who is now retired — Antonio Rüdiger, and Dani Carvajal, have all received nominations. Additionally, summer signing Kylian Mbappé was also recognized, but Rodrygo found himself absent from the coveted 30-man list.

In an exclusive interview with ESPN, Rodrygo shared his feelings, stating, “I was upset, I think I deserved it. 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.”

The announcement for the Ballon d’Or winner will take place at a ceremony in Paris on October 28.

Last season, Rodrygo made an impressive mark by scoring ten goals in 34 LaLiga matches, along with an additional five goals in the Champions League.

However, his position in the starting lineup could be threatened by the arrival of Mbappé, although coach Carlo Ancelotti has thus far continued to include Rodrygo in his three-man forward lineup this season.

In a cheeky social media post, Rodrygo shared a collection of pictures showcasing himself celebrating with trophies from his time at Madrid, using a laughing emoji. He later acknowledged that the post was meant to lightly poke fun at his Ballon d’Or exclusion.

“I made a somewhat mocking post,” he admitted to ESPN. “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.”

Rodrygo also reflected on how his versatility as a player might have impeded his progress, particularly during the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Paraguay. He had previously stepped up to score the game-winner in a 1-0 victory over Ecuador.

“Often, I’m just filling spaces,” he explained. “Is someone missing there? Put Rodrygo in. Is someone missing on the right? Rodrygo. Is someone missing as No. 9? Rodrygo. That’s it. It may get in my way a little, but I’m a team player.”

The conversation shifted to Real Madrid and Brazil’s new prospect, Endrick, who has humorously been nicknamed “Bobby” by his teammates after England football legend Bobby Charlton, due to Endrick citing Charlton as one of his idols.

“Now he has become Bobby!” Rodrygo quipped. “He is no longer Endrick. He’s become Bobby, that’s it. There’s nothing to be done, if he gets angry, it’s worse!”