Real Madrid's Brazilian star spoke about his future and perceived egregious omission from the Ballon d'Or shortlist.
Real Madrid’s Rodrygo Goes, whose conspicuous omission from the Ballon d'Or 30-man nominee shortlist generated controversy, has now publicly expressed his dissatisfaction with France Football’s list after previously dropping a more subtle one on social media.
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Rodrygo disagrees with Ballon d'Or snub
Pulse Sports reported that France Football released their 30-man shortlist for the ever-so-coveted Ballon d'Or award. And while it included his Real Madrid teammates like Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham Vinicius Jr, Federico Valverde, Antonio Rudiger, Dani Carvajal and even the retired Toni Kroos, Rodrygo was snubbed.
The 23-year-old who had 26 goals or assists last season felt aggrieved and in a recent interview, he addressed the omission.
“I was upset when I saw they didn’t include me in Ballon d’Or nominees,” Rodrygo told reporters, per Fabrizio Romano. “I think I deserved it. I don’t want to belittle the players who are there, but I think I had a place. It was a surprise... but there is not much I can do; I don’t make decisions.”
Rodrygo addresses exit rumours
Following the arrival of Kylian Mbappe, there have been suggestions that the young winger will seek a future away from Real Madrid to a club where he can enjoy prominence; Manchester United and Arsenal have been linked.
He has previously rubbished such reports, saying he was happy at Real Madrid. Following a recent social media incident that seemed he was feeling left out, the rumours have gained momentum once more, and he once again played it down, stating that he wants to win things with the Los Blancos.
“I want to win all the titles that I have already won several times,” he said. “Real Madrid is the best club in the world and that is what motivates me to be at the level of the best club in the world every day. That is why I get up every day to train and to be better.”