Real Madrid's Rodrygo expresses disappointment over Ballon d'Or snub

Despite his pivotal role in helping Real Madrid secure a LaLiga and Champions League double last season, the forward was not included among the 30 nominees.

While teammates Vinícius Junior, Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, Toni Kroos (now retired), Antonio Rudiger, Dani Carvajal, and summer signing Kylian Mbappe received nominations, Rodrygo was notably absent from the list.

"I was upset, I think I deserved it," Rodrygo told ESPN in an exclusive interview on Sunday. "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."

The winner of the Ballon d'Or will be announced at a ceremony in Paris on October 28.

Last season, Rodrygo scored 10 goals in 34 LaLiga appearances and netted five times in the Champions League. However, with the arrival of Mbappe, his position in the Madrid lineup has faced increased competition. Despite this, coach Carlo Ancelotti has consistently included him in a three-man forward line for the current season.

Recently, Rodrygo took to social media, posting a series of photos of himself celebrating with Madrid trophies, accompanied by a laughing emoji. He acknowledged that the post was a lighthearted jab at his Ballon d'Or omission.

"I made a somewhat mocking post," Rodrygo told ESPN. "Now there's not much to say. Everyone knows my indignation. Everyone [has supported me], both in the national team and at Real Madrid. People sent messages."

Rodrygo also mentioned that his versatility might have hampered his progress, particularly with Brazil, who are set to face Paraguay in a World Cup qualifier on Tuesday. He scored the only goal in Brazil's 1-0 victory over Ecuador this weekend.

"Often, I'm just filling spaces," Rodrygo said. "Is someone missing there? Put Rodrygo in. Is someone missing on the right? Rodrygo. Is someone missing as No. 9? Rodrygo. That's it. It may get in my way a little, but I'm a team player."

On the topic of Real Madrid and Brazil's young talent Endrick, who has humorously been nicknamed "Bobby" by teammates after English legend Bobby Charlton, Rodrygo commented, "Now he has become Bobby! He is no longer Endrick. He's become Bobby, that's it. There's nothing to be done, if he gets angry, it's worse!"

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