Brazilian forward Rodrygo has shared his thoughts on being left out of the 2024 Ballon d’Or shortlist, despite his impressive season with Real Madrid.
The 23-year-old scored 17 goals and contributed nine assists in 51 appearances during the 2023/24 season, yet he was not among the 30 players nominated for the prestigious award. Rodrygo’s Real Madrid teammates Vinicius Jr, Jude Bellingham, Dani Carvajal, Federico Valverde, Antonio Rudiger, and Toni Kroos were all shortlisted, alongside Kylian Mbappé, who recently joined Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain.
In an interview with ESPN, Rodrygo expressed his disappointment at being overlooked. “I was upset, I think I deserved it,” he stated. “I don’t want to belittle the players who are there; they deserve it, 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.”
They're all here!
But… who should win it? #ballondor pic.twitter.com/SrkHBrJtuI
— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) September 4, 2024
Rodrygo, known for his versatility, plays primarily on the right but is frequently deployed in different positions by Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti. He is often asked to play on the left, as a center forward, or as a second striker, filling in wherever the team requires. While his adaptability has made him an indispensable part of the squad, Rodrygo feels this versatility may have affected his chances of receiving individual recognition.
“Sometimes, I feel like I’m just filling spaces,” Rodrygo explained. “Is someone missing on the right? Put Rodrygo in. Is someone missing as a number nine? Rodrygo. That’s how it goes. It might get in my way a little, but I’m a team player.”
While he is disappointed, Rodrygo remains focused on continuing to contribute to the success of his team. His ability to adapt to multiple roles on the pitch has been praised by both teammates and coaches. Ancelotti, in particular, values Rodrygo’s flexibility, often trusting him to play in various attacking positions depending on the tactical needs of the team.
Despite not being nominated for the Ballon d’Or, Rodrygo’s talent and work ethic have been widely acknowledged. His 2023/24 season statistics, which include crucial goals and assists, demonstrate his significant contributions to Real Madrid’s performance. Rodrygo’s omission from the shortlist raises questions about how the selection process weighs versatility against more traditional measures of success like scoring or assisting from a specific position.
Rodrygo’s Madrid teammates who made the list, including Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham, were recognized for their outstanding contributions in more defined roles. Vinicius, playing primarily as a left-winger, was instrumental in Madrid’s attacking play last season, while Bellingham, signed during the summer, quickly established himself as one of the world’s top midfielders. Meanwhile, veteran players like Carvajal and Kroos were included for their consistent performance and leadership on the pitch.
The Ballon d’Or, awarded annually by France Football, is one of the most prestigious individual honors in world football. The shortlist is created by a panel of international journalists, and the winner will be announced at a ceremony in Paris on October 28th. For Rodrygo, the omission will undoubtedly serve as motivation moving forward as he continues to develop his game and aim for future recognition.
When asked about his future ambitions, Rodrygo expressed his desire to keep improving and help Real Madrid achieve their goals. “I want to keep growing as a player and help my team win trophies. Individual awards are great, but my main focus is always on the success of the team,” he said.
His disappointment over the Ballon d’Or snub may be short-lived as he continues to demonstrate his value to the team. His versatility, often seen as a challenge in the context of individual awards, is a testament to his commitment as a team player, and his contributions on the pitch are unlikely to go unnoticed by fans, teammates, and coaches alike.
