Real Madrid forward Rodrygo has expressed frustration over being left out of the final 30-man Ballon d’Or shortlist, attributing his exclusion to his own versatility.
Rodrygo, 23, admitted he was “upset” about not making the nominations, despite his impressive performance last season, where he scored 17 goals and provided nine assists, helping Real Madrid win the Champions League and LaLiga.
However, his achievements were not enough to secure him a spot among the world’s best players this year.
Speaking to ESPN, Rodrygo said, “I was upset, I think I deserved to be on the list. I don’t want to belittle the players who are there, but I think I had a place in the 30. It was a surprise… But there’s not much I can do, I’m not the one who decides these things.”
Rodrygo also suggested that his versatility might have played a role in his exclusion, saying, “I often end up just filling in positions.Is someone missing there? Put Rodrygo in. Is someone missing on the right? Rodrygo. Is someone missing as No. 9? Rodrygo. That’s it. It may get in my way a little, but I’m a team player.”