Rodrygo, the dynamic Real Madrid forward, has expressed his disappointment over being omitted from the 2024 Ballon d’Or shortlist, despite delivering an impactful season in 2023-2024.
The 23-year-old Brazilian, known for his versatility across the attack, believes his ability to fill multiple roles may have cost him the recognition he feels he deserved.
With 17 goals and nine assists across 51 appearances for Los Blancos, Rodrygo’s exclusion from the prestigious list of 30 nominees has raised eyebrows among football fans and analysts alike.
In an interview with ESPN, Rodrygo made his feelings clear: “I was upset. I think I deserved it.” While he acknowledges the talent of the players who were shortlisted, the Brazilian forward feels his contributions warranted a place on the list.
He noted that his utility role at Real Madrid often sees him play in various positions, from the right wing to center forward, depending on the team’s needs. “Often, I’m just filling spaces, and that may get in my way a little,” he admitted.
Despite the snub, Rodrygo remains determined to continue his rise within world football. As the Ballon d’Or winner will be revealed on 28 October in Paris, Rodrygo will have to watch from the sidelines this year. However, with his talent and hunger for success, it’s likely only a matter of time before he finds himself back in contention for football’s most prestigious individual award.
Rodrygo’s Impactful 2023-2024 Season
His exclusion from the Ballon d’Or shortlist has sparked conversation, especially considering the numbers he put up during the 2023-2024 season. With 17 goals and nine assists for Real Madrid, Rodrygo was a key player for the team in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.
Rodrygo’s ability to perform in high-pressure situations makes him stand out. He has shown that he can be counted on in crucial moments, often stepping up when his team needs him the most.
His dribbling skills, creativity, and ability to score in tight situations make him one of the most versatile players in Europe. Rodrygo’s performances were particularly vital in keeping Real Madrid competitive in multiple competitions.
However, Rodrygo believes that his versatility, which allows him to seamlessly switch between positions, may have hurt his chances of being included in the Ballon d’Or list. “I’m always filling gaps wherever needed, whether it’s on the right, left, or even as a number 9,” he explained. “That may get in the way of people recognizing me for one specific role.”
The Versatility of Rodrygo
His ability to play in multiple positions is both a blessing and a challenge. As a forward, he is equally comfortable on the right wing, the left wing, or playing as a center forward.
Under coach Carlo Ancelotti, he has been utilized in all these roles, sometimes even playing as a second striker. This tactical flexibility has been critical to Real Madrid‘s success, but it has perhaps hindered his individual recognition, as his statistics are often spread across various roles rather than concentrated in one.
When discussing his exclusion from the Ballon d’Or shortlist, Rodrygo pointed to this versatility as a possible reason: “Often, I’m just filling spaces,” he said. “If someone is missing on the right, put Rodrygo there. If someone is missing as the No. 9, put Rodrygo there. While I’m happy to help the team, I believe this versatility may have cost me the recognition I hoped for.”
While it’s clear that Rodrygo values being a team player, it’s also understandable why he would be frustrated with missing out on individual accolades. In an era where specialization in a single position often garners more attention, being a “jack of all trades” can sometimes make it difficult for players like Rodrygo to get the recognition they deserve.
Teammates on the Shortlist
While Rodrygo was left off the Ballon d’Or shortlist, several of his Real Madrid teammates made the cut. Vinicius Jr, who had another standout season, was a lock for the shortlist, as was Jude Bellingham, whose arrival at the club from Borussia Dortmund further elevated the team’s midfield.
Other players such as Federico Valverde, Antonio Rudiger, and the recently retired Toni Kroos also earned nominations for their performances during the season.
Kylian Mbappe, who joined Real Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain in the close season, was also among the nominees, further fueling speculation that the French superstar could be a future Ballon d’Or winner.
With so many Real Madrid stars on the shortlist, his absence becomes even more noticeable, particularly given his key role in many of the same competitions where his teammates shone.
Rodrygo’s Future Prospects
Despite his disappointment, he remains optimistic about his future in football. At just 23 years old, he is still developing as a player and has already achieved significant success in both domestic and European competitions. His goal is to continue improving and eventually make his way onto the Ballon d’Or shortlist.
“There’s not much I can do now,” Rodrygo said. “I’m not the one who decides these things, but I will keep working hard. I know I have what it takes, and I will keep proving it on the pitch.”
His mentality and work ethic suggest that his time in the spotlight is far from over. As he continues to grow and mature as a player, his versatility could become an even greater asset, allowing him to contribute in ways that few other players can.
If he can continue to deliver the same level of performance, it’s only a matter of time before he earns the recognition he feels he deserves.
Rodrygo’s Future Success
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Conclusion
While Rodrygo may have missed out on the 2024 Ballon d’Or shortlist, his performance during the 2023-2024 season speaks for itself. With 17 goals and nine assists for Real Madrid, the 23-year-old forward has already proven himself as one of the most versatile and impactful players in Europe. His disappointment over the omission is understandable, but Rodrygo’s future remains incredibly bright.
As he continues to develop and refine his game, there’s little doubt that Rodrygo will find himself in contention for football’s most prestigious individual awards in the coming years. For fans looking to follow his journey, Jambobet offers the best platform to bet on his future success, making it the go-to site for sports betting in Kenya. Sign up with Jambobet today and place your bets on his promising career!
