Real Madrid Star Criticizes Ballon d'Or Shortlist After Harsh Exclusion

Real Madrid star Rodrygo made his feelings known after his shocking Ballon d'Or snub with a pointed Instagram post. The 2024 shortlist, revealed in a glitzy ceremony on Wednesday evening, featured expected names like Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, and Harry Kane.

Several of Rodrygo's Real Madrid teammates, including Jude Bellingham, Antonio Rudiger, Dani Carvajal, Federico Valverde, Vinicius Jr, and even retired star Toni Kroos, were nominated. However, the absence of Rodrygo, despite an outstanding season, raised eyebrows.

The 23-year-old Brazilian winger scored 17 goals and provided nine assists, playing a crucial role in Real Madrid's triumphs in La Liga, the Champions League, and the Spanish Super Cup. Despite these achievements, his omission from the prestigious shortlist left fans and the player himself puzzled.

Rodrygo addressed his Ballon d'Or snub with a pointed message on Instagram. He shared a series of images on his story, showcasing himself celebrating with the numerous trophies he won last season and highlighting his performances for Real Madrid. Adding a touch of irony, he included a laughing-crying emoji in the post.

• Rodrygo Must Achieve Greater Consistency to Secure Ballon d'Or Recognition
• Endrick Sets Record in Real Madrid's Champions League Victory

Despite expressing his disappointment, Rodrygo had previously supported his Real Madrid teammate Vinicius Jr as the leading candidate for the prestigious award. In an interview with Globo Esporte earlier this year, he acknowledged Vinicius' potential to win the Ballon d'Or, saying, "We know that Vini is the main candidate to win it, and I support this decision because he is my teammate." He added, "The Ballon d'Or isn't my priority, but it's something every player dreams of."

Rodrygo has made a strong case for a future nomination, starting the season in excellent form. He scored in Real Madrid’s season opener, a 1-1 draw with Mallorca, and has also registered an assist.

Meanwhile, Vinicius Jr has already voiced his ambitions to follow in the footsteps of Brazilian legends like Kaká, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, and Rivaldo by claiming the Ballon d'Or. He said, "I have Kaká as an example, I have Ronaldo who won the award twice, I have Ronaldinho, Rivaldo—many Brazilian players who have won the Ballon d'Or."

“But without a doubt, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho are the ones I'm closest with, who tell me every day that I have to win the Ballon d'Or. I was with Ronaldo just now when I was in Ibiza and trained at his house and he told me: 'Train here a few more days, so you are closer to the Ballon d'Or.'

"They are players who did incredible things and to be able to compete for the Ballon d'Or and to win an award that they won, that would be something really incredible."

Neymar Issues Warning to Brazil Stars About Playing with Kylian Mbappe: 'It Was Catastrophic'

Between 2017 and 2023, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe combined for a total of 54 goals in 136 matches before Neymar's transfer to Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal.