Six Real players (not counting Kylian Mbappé), but not a trace of Rodrygo. If the list of 30 nominees for the 2024 Ballon d’Or gives pride of place to the Madrid players, winners of the Champions League, the Brazilian winger is not part of the party, unlike Toni Kroos, Vinicius Jr, Antonio Rüdiger, Federico Valverde, Dani Carvajal and Jude Bellingham. And this absence surprises him.
After posting on social media a photo of all the trophies won last year (La Liga, Champions League, Spanish Super Cup, European Super Cup) – a post deemed “mocking” by the main person concerned – Rodrygo reiterated his discomfort to ESPN. “I was upset, I think I deserved it. I don’t want to put down the players who are there, but I think I had my place in the 30. But I can’t do much, I’m not the one who decides these things.”
A key man for Ancelotti
Despite his disappointment, Rodrygo has received support from “the national team and Real Madrid”. “People have sent me messages,” said the Brazilian, who scored 17 goals and provided 4 assists in 51 games in all competitions last season.
“I arrived (at Real Madrid) as a child and today I am a man. I arrived very shy, very embarrassed. I got used to it with the help of all my teammates, all the people at the club, who made me feel at home. After a period of adaptation, which is normal, I feel completely at home. I am more mature and I am very happy.”
Established in the first team since the 2019-2020 season, the 23-year-old player is expected to make a big impact this year, especially with the arrival of Kylian Mbappé to strengthen an already well-stocked attacking sector.
- RMC Sport
