Real Madrid forward Rodrygo has expressed his disappointment at being left off the 30-man shortlist for the prestigious Ballon d’Or award. Despite a successful season, with 17 goals and nine assists in 51 appearances, the 23-year-old Brazilian believes his versatility may have played a part in his exclusion.
Rodrygo’s Madrid teammates Vinicius Jr, Jude Bellingham, Dani Carvajal, Federico Valverde, Antonio Rudiger, and the now-retired Toni Kroos were all nominated, along with recent arrival Kylian Mbappe.
“I was upset, I think I deserved it,” Rodrygo told ESPN. “I don’t want to belittle the players who are there, I think they deserved it also. But I think I had a place in the 30. It was a surprise but there is not much I can do as I’m not the one who decides these things.”
Rodrygo primarily plays on the right wing but is adept at playing on the left or as a center forward. This versatility has seen him deployed as a second striker by manager Carlo Ancelotti.
“Often, I’m just filling spaces,” Rodrygo added. “Is someone missing there? Put Rodrygo in. Is someone missing on the right? Rodrygo. Is someone missing as number nine? Rodrygo. That’s it. It may get in my way a little, but I’m a team player.”
The winner of the Ballon d’Or will be announced at a ceremony in Paris on October 28.
