“I was upset”: Rodrygo Goes expresses his dismay after being overlooked for the 2024 Ballon d’Or

One of the biggest controversies in the recently released 30-man shortlist for the 2024 Ballon d’Or was the exclusion of Rodrygo. The 23-year-old is a seasoned professional for Real Madrid as well as the Brazil National Team. Rodrygo enjoyed one of his finest individual seasons last year and hence his omission has sparked various debates amongst the football community. Seven Real Madrid players have been nominated for the coveted award which will be announced on 28ᵗʰ October.

The player himself was vocal about his disappointment with the decision. “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.”, Rodrygo said while speaking to ESPN. The Brazilian was also quick to acknowledge the fact that he is a team player and that might stand in the way of individual accolades. “Often, I’m just filling spaces. Is someone missing there? Put Rodrygo in. Is someone missing on the right? Rodrygo. Is someone missing as No. 9? Rodrygo. That’s it.”

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Rodrygo has already been a big talking point throughout the summer following the arrival of Kylian Mbappe. Carlo Ancelotti has gone back to the 4-3-3 formation which has shifted him to the right flank. He is currently below Vinicius and Mbappe in the pecking order which gave birth to several rumours linking him away from the Santiago Bernabeu. Nevertheless, Rodrygo has dismissed all the reports surrounding his future but he has been at the centre of multiple unwanted off-the-pitch issues this season.

Rodrygo’s brilliant 2023/24 season with Real Madrid

In the summer of 2023, Real Madrid was struggling with the departure of Karim Benzema. The club was left without a real number nine. Carlo Ancelotti transformed his system to a 4-2-2-2 shape, making Rodrygo play upfront with his countryman, Vinicius Jr. For the first time in Spain, Rodrygo was able to establish himself as a regular starter for Madrid and he ensured to repay that faith successfully. The former Santos man finished the 2023/24 campaign with 17 goals and nine assists to his name.

His form and contributions were integral to Madrid winning the league and Champions League double. The two goals against Manchester City in the quarter-finals of the Champions League knocked out the Premier League champions. Rodrygo even covered for Vinicius’ absence when the latter was out injured. His versatility has been a blessing to the Madridistas and they will hope that his love for the club makes all the dilemmas over his future fade.