Upon learning that he had been left off the 30-man Ballon d’Or shortlist, Rodrygo expressed his disappointment in an exclusive interview with ESPN. Despite helping Real Madrid secure a LaLiga and Champions League double last season, he felt that his omission was unjust. Rodrygo believed that he had earned a spot on the prestigious list and was surprised by the snub.
The Ballon d’Or winner is set to be announced at a ceremony in Paris on Oct. 28. While Rodrygo was not included in the shortlist, his contributions to Madrid’s success were notable. He scored 10 goals in 34 LaLiga appearances and found the net five times in the Champions League. Despite the arrival of Kylian Mbappé putting pressure on his place in the team, coach Carlo Ancelotti has continued to show faith in him.
In response to his exclusion from the Ballon d’Or shortlist, Rodrygo took to social media to post photos of himself lifting trophies with Madrid, along with a laughing emoji. He admitted that the post was intended to mock the snub he received. Despite the disappointment, Rodrygo acknowledged the support he has received from both his national team and Real Madrid teammates.
Rodrygo opened up about the challenges he has encountered due to his versatility. He mentioned that he often finds himself filling different positions for both Real Madrid and the Brazilian national team. While this adaptability can be beneficial, it has also hindered his progress to some extent. Despite these obstacles, Rodrygo emphasized his commitment to being a team player.
Rodrygo shared his thoughts on fellow Madrid and Brazil teenager Endrick, who has been jokingly called “Bobby” by teammates in reference to England legend Bobby Charlton. Rodrygo remarked on Endrick’s transformation into “Bobby” and highlighted the camaraderie among the players.
Rodrygo’s reaction to being left out of the Ballon d’Or shortlist sheds light on the competitive nature of football and the highs and lows experienced by players. Despite the setback, Rodrygo remains focused on contributing to his team’s success and continuing to grow as a player.