Real Madrid's Brazilian Striker Deeply Disappointed at Missing Ballon d'Or Nomination
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Rodrygo could not hide his annoyance after not being included in the list of candidates for the 2024 Ballon d'Or. Even though he made an important contribution to Real Madrid's success in winning the La Liga and Champions League titles last season.
Rodrygo found it increasingly difficult to accept the reality when he saw his colleagues such as Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, Toni Kroos, Antonio Rudiger, and Dani Carvajal successfully enter the Ballon d'Or nomination list.
Even Kylian Mbappe, who just joined Madrid, got his place. However, Rodrygo did not find his name there.
"I'm disappointed, I think I deserved it. I don't want to belittle the players on the list, but I think I got a place in the top 30. It was surprising," Rodrygo complained.
"But there's not much I can do. I'm not the one who decides these things," he continued.
Rodrygo Goes Report Card Last Season
Rodrygo scored 10 goals in 34 La Liga games last season and added five in the Champions League. Despite Mbappe's presence adding to the competition at Real Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti still believes in him as part of the main attacking trio this season.
He recently shared a photo of himself lifting the trophy with Madrid on his social media, complete with a laughing emoji. He admitted that the emoji was his way of joking about his failure to win the Ballon d'Or.
"I made a post that was a bit mocking, now there is not much to say. Everyone knows my anger. Everyone [has supported me], both in the national team and at Real Madrid. People send messages," Rodrygo told ESPN.
Rodrygo Also Shines in Brazil National Team
Rodrygo revealed that his all-round ability has actually hindered his progress, especially in the Brazil team that will face Paraguay in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on Wednesday (11/9/2024) morning WIB.
Even so, he just scored the winning goal in a 1-0 win over Ecuador last weekend, showing his ability to make a difference on the field.
"A lot of times, I just fill the void, is there someone missing there? Put Rodrygo in. Is there someone missing on the right? Rodrygo. Is there someone missing as a number 9? Rodrygo. That's it. Maybe it hinders me a little bit, but I'm a team player," said Rodrygo.