Rodrygo Goes, the 23-year-old Brazilian forward for Real Madrid, finds himself in a perplexing position. Despite his vital contributions to one of the world’s most prestigious football clubs, Rodrygo was conspicuously absent from the 2024 Ballon d’Or shortlist. For many, this omission is not just an oversight—it’s a clear indicator of how underappreciated his efforts have been, overshadowed by the luminaries that share the pitch with him.
The Pressure of Playing in the Shadows
At Real Madrid, where global superstars like Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham, and the newly acquired Kylian Mbappé often dominate the headlines, it’s easy for even the most talented players to be overlooked. Rodrygo, however, has consistently proven his worth, not just with goals and assists, but with his knack for stepping up in the most critical moments. Last season, Rodrygo scored 16 goals and provided eight assists across all competitions—a solid contribution that helped Real Madrid in their campaigns both domestically and in Europe. Yet, these numbers alone do not capture the full scope of his impact.
Clutch Performances in Europe
Rodrygo’s ability to shine when it matters most is what sets him apart. His performance in the 2022 Champions League semi-final against Manchester City remains one of the most iconic moments in recent football history. With Real Madrid on the brink of elimination, Rodrygo scored two late goals to force extra time, where the team eventually secured a place in the final. This clutch performance not only highlighted his technical abilities but also his mental fortitude—a rare quality that is crucial in high-stakes matches.
Fast forward to the 2023/24 season, and Rodrygo continued to deliver in critical moments, scoring decisive goals against Manchester City and Bayern Munich. These contributions were instrumental in Real Madrid’s continued success in Europe, yet they seem to have gone largely unnoticed in the broader football community.
A Quiet Star in a Loud Galaxy
One reason for Rodrygo’s omission from the Ballon d’Or shortlist could be his quiet demeanor. Unlike some of his more flamboyant teammates, Rodrygo prefers to let his football do the talking. While this humility is admirable, it has perhaps contributed to his being overshadowed by more vocal or marketable players like Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham. In a world where media presence often plays a role in recognition, Rodrygo’s understated nature may have worked against him.
Real Madrid had seven players on the 2024 Ballon d’Or shortlist, including Vinícius, Bellingham, Dani Carvajal, Fede Valverde, Antonio Rüdiger, and Toni Kroos. The question that lingers is whether Rodrygo deserved a spot more than one of his teammates. His exclusion seems particularly surprising given his importance in the team’s most crucial moments.
Support from Football Legends
Brazilian legend Rivaldo has spoken out about what he perceives as an injustice towards Rodrygo. Rivaldo emphasized that Rodrygo’s contributions to Real Madrid are just as significant as those of players like Vinícius and Bellingham. “Rodrygo is on the same level as Mbappé and Vinícius,” Rivaldo asserted, highlighting the Brazilian’s crucial role in the team’s success. This endorsement from a football icon underscores the sentiment that Rodrygo’s talents are being undervalued.
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A Growing Frustration
Rodrygo has started to voice his frustrations, both publicly and subtly. His social media activity, including a post suggesting that an “R” be added to the BMV (Bellingham, Mbappé, Vinícius) acronym, reflects his growing discontent with being overlooked. These actions indicate that Rodrygo is no longer content with playing the role of the unsung hero.
The Future for Rodrygo
Rodrygo’s exclusion from the Ballon d’Or shortlist may have been a bitter pill to swallow, but it could also serve as motivation for the Brazilian forward. As he continues to deliver on the pitch, the football world may soon have no choice but to acknowledge his contributions. Whether through key performances in critical matches or by maintaining his consistency across seasons, Rodrygo is poised to earn the recognition he deserves.
In a star-studded squad like Real Madrid’s, standing out is no small feat. Yet, Rodrygo has repeatedly proven that he is more than capable of doing just that. His time in the spotlight may be overdue, but if his track record is anything to go by, it is only a matter of time before the footballing world takes notice.
