Real Madrid’s Brazilian star Rodrygo has expressed disappointment at being left out of the 30-man shortlist for the prestigious Ballon d’Or award, despite his impressive performances last season. The 23-year-old forward, who netted 17 goals and provided nine assists across 51 appearances for Real Madrid, feels his versatility on the pitch may have played a role in the omission.
I was upset, I think I deserved it,” Rodrygo revealed in an interview with ESPN. “I don’t want to take away from the players who made the list—they deserve it too—but I believe I had a place in the top 30. It was a surprise, but there’s nothing I can do because I’m not the one making the decisions.”
Rodrygo, known for his ability to play in multiple positions, often finds himself filling in wherever needed for Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti. Typically deployed on the right wing, he has also played on the left, as a central forward, or even as a second striker.
“Often, I’m just filling spaces,” Rodrygo explained. “If someone is missing on the right, they put me there. If someone is needed at number nine, it’s me again. It might be holding me back a little, but I’m a team player first.”
While his teammates like Vinicius Jr., Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, Antonio Rudiger, and retired legend Toni Kroos were all included in the Ballon d’Or shortlist, Rodrygo remains focused on contributing to his team’s success, even if it means sacrificing individual accolades.
The winner of the Ballon d’Or will be announced at a ceremony in Paris on October 28, but for now, Rodrygo is determined to continue proving his worth on the pitch for both Real Madrid and Brazil.Rodrygo Goes, Real Madrid’s Brazilian forward, has expressed his disappointment over being excluded from the 30-man shortlist for the prestigious Ballon d’Or award, despite his standout performances during the previous season. The 23-year-old had a productive campaign, scoring 17 goals and providing nine assists in 51 appearances across all competitions for Real Madrid. Despite his contributions, he believes his versatility might have contributed to his omission from the list.
In an interview with ESPN, Rodrygo shared his feelings: “I was upset, I think I deserved it. I don’t want to take away from the players who made the list—they deserve it too—but I believe I had a place in the top 30. It was a surprise, but there’s nothing I can do because I’m not the one making the decisions.”
Rodrygo is known for his adaptability on the field, often stepping into various roles depending on the needs of Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti. Primarily a right-winger, he has also played on the left, as a central forward, and even as a second striker. This flexibility, while valuable to the team, might have affected his individual recognition.
“Often, I’m just filling spaces,” Rodrygo explained. “If someone is missing on the right, they put me there. If someone is needed at number nine, it’s me again. It might be holding me back a little, but I’m a team player first.”
While several of his Real Madrid teammates, such as Vinicius Jr., Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, Antonio Rudiger, and retired legend Toni Kroos, were included in the Ballon d’Or shortlist, Rodrygo remains committed to contributing to his team’s success. Despite missing out on individual accolades, he is focused on proving his worth both for Real Madrid and the Brazilian national team.
The Ballon d’Or winner will be announced at a ceremony in Paris on October 28. Until then, Rodrygo continues to work hard on the pitch, driven by the desire to prove his abilities and secure a place among the world’s best players.
