Last week, the Top 30 nominees for the 2024 Ballon d’Or award were announced by France Football, with as many as six current Real Madrid players featuring on the list, along with the now-retired Toni Kroos.
However, there was a surprise omission from the nominations list as star forward Rodrygo Goes was left out despite enjoying a fruitful campaign with Real Madrid.
After all, the 23-year-old Brazilian was one of the key contributors in Los Blancos’ three trophies last season and while he would not have been in contention to win the Ballon d’Or, a place in the top 30 was more than deserved.
Rodrygo expressed his dismay at being left out with a social media post depicting his achievements last season and even received support from his teammates as well as Brazil superstar Neymar.
Rodrygo opens up on Ballon d’Or snub
Now, speaking in an interview with ESPN (h/t AS), Rodrygo admitted that he felt very upset at being overlooked for the Ballon d’Or.
“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,” he said.
The 23-year-old went on to state that he had received support from his teammates at Real Madrid and in the Brazil national team, as he said:
“I made a somewhat mocking post. Now there is not much to say. Everyone knows my indignation. Everyone has supported me, both in the national team and at Real Madrid. People sent me messages.”
Discussing his playing position, Rodrygo admitted that he is almost used as a wildcard at times to fill in any empty spots in attack which he does not always like but is a team player.
“Often, I’m just filling the gap that is missing up front. Is there someone missing there, put Rodrygo. Is there someone missing on the right, Rodrygo. Is there someone missing as No. 9, Rodrygo. That’s it. It may bother me a little, but I’m a team player,” he said.
Opening up on his first years at Real Madrid, the forward admitted that he was a bit shy when he arrived and took time to adapt, but is now very happy at the Santiago Bernabeu.
“I arrived as a boy and today I am a man. I arrived very shy, with a lot of hesitation. I got used to it with the help of all my teammates, of all the people at the club, who made me feel at home,” he said.
“After a time of adaptation, which is normal, I feel completely at home. I’m more mature and I’m very happy.”
Signing off, Rodrygo insisted that he and Real Madrid are hungry for more and more success, having dominated the UEFA Champions League over the last decade.
“I think about winning all the titles that I have already won several times. It’s the best club in the world and that’s what motivates me, to be at the level of the best club in the world every day. That’s why I get up every day to train and to be better.”