Thirty players still have a chance to win the Ballon d'Or this year, but Real Madrid forward Rodrygo is not one of them. The Brazilian had previously posted a mocking message, but has now responded for the first time in an interview about the nominations.
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Real Madrid’s 2023 season was one for the history books. Securing both the La Liga title and their record-extending 15th UEFA Champions League trophy, the Spanish giants once again proved their dominance on the European and domestic stage.
Throughout the season, several players stepped up with consistent, match-winning performances, earning their spots on the shortlist for football's most prestigious individual award the Ballon d'Or.
Among those honored with a nomination were key figures in Madrid's success. Vinícius Júnior, known for his electrifying speed and dribbling, played a pivotal role in the attack, scoring crucial goals and providing assists. His partnership with striker Karim Benzema terrorized defenses across Europe. English sensation Jude Bellingham also earned a spot on the list. Despite joining Real Madrid only after the season concluded, his performances for Borussia Dortmund and his early impact in Spain made him a contender. Federico Valverde, the versatile Uruguayan midfielder, whose relentless energy and work rate made him indispensable, found himself on the list, as did veterans like Toni Kroos and Dani Carvajal, both known for their experience, composure, and leadership. Antonio Rüdiger, the imposing German defender, also earned recognition for his contributions to Madrid's rock-solid defense.
However, the omission of Rodrygo Goes from this esteemed list raised eyebrows and sparked controversy. The 22-year-old Brazilian winger was a vital cog in Madrid's triumphant campaign, scoring 16 goals across all competitions. His knack for rising to the occasion in decisive moments especially in the latter stages of the Champions League earned him the reputation of being a "big game player." His brace against Manchester City in the semi-final comeback of the 2022 Champions League remains one of the most iconic performances in recent years, cementing his status as a rising star at Madrid.
Despite his contributions, Rodrygo was left out of the top 30 Ballon d'Or nominees, a decision that left the player disappointed. Speaking candidly in an interview with ESPN, he expressed his feelings: "I’m very disappointed about that; I deserved it." The winger was open about the fact that he believed his performances over the season were worthy of recognition on the global stage. "I don’t want to belittle the players who did make the list, but I definitely should have had a spot in the top thirty. For me, this came as a big surprise, but there’s not much I can do about it now."
Rodrygo's comments shed light on the highly competitive nature of individual awards in football. While his Real Madrid teammates basked in the glory of their nominations, the Brazilian was left to reflect on the subjective nature of the voting process. The Ballon d'Or, awarded by a panel of journalists, coaches, and national team captains, often provokes debate due to its reliance on opinions rather than purely statistical measures. This can sometimes lead to deserving players being overlooked, as was the case with Rodrygo.
The young winger, however, didn’t let his disappointment stay confined to interviews. In a subtle yet pointed reaction, Rodrygo took to Instagram to voice his frustration. He posted pictures of himself holding the trophies he had won during the season, including the Champions League and La Liga titles, accompanied by a laughing emoji. The post was seen by many as a playful jab at the Ballon d'Or organizers, hinting at the irony of his exclusion despite being a key contributor to one of the most successful teams in Europe. When asked about the post, Rodrygo said, "It was a mocking post, but I’m not going to say anything more about it."
Rodrygo’s response, while humorous, underscores a deeper conversation about the challenges of individual recognition in a team sport. Football is a game where collective success often outweighs individual achievements, yet awards like the Ballon d'Or place a spotlight on personal performances. Players like Rodrygo, who excel within a well-oiled machine like Real Madrid, can sometimes be overshadowed by more flashy or high-profile stars, despite their crucial roles in the team's success.
Rodrygo’s exclusion also highlights the increasing difficulty of breaking into the elite group of Ballon d'Or nominees. With so many world-class players vying for recognition, even standout seasons can be overlooked if they don’t capture the global imagination in the same way as the performances of more established stars. For Rodrygo, this was particularly painful, given that his 16 goals and numerous match-winning moments were instrumental in Madrid's triumphs.
While the Brazilian winger expressed disappointment, his focus now shifts back to the pitch, where he has the chance to continue proving his worth. Rodrygo remains a vital part of Carlo Ancelotti’s plans at Real Madrid, and with his undeniable talent and ability to perform in high-pressure situations, there’s little doubt that he will continue to be one of the club’s key players for years to come. His ambitions extend beyond just team success Rodrygo is clearly hungry for individual recognition, and the Ballon d'Or snub may serve as motivation for him to elevate his game even further.
As for the Ballon d'Or itself, the debate surrounding Rodrygo’s exclusion is likely to continue, especially among fans and pundits who closely follow his development. The award is often seen as a marker of legacy in the football world, and for a player as young and talented as Rodrygo, being overlooked at this stage of his career could either be seen as an injustice or simply a delay in the inevitable recognition that his talent will eventually command.
In the broader context of the footballing world, Rodrygo’s situation is a reminder that while individual awards are celebrated, they are not the sole measure of a player's worth or contribution to the sport. For now, Rodrygo can take pride in his role in one of the most successful Real Madrid campaigns in recent memory and use the disappointment as fuel for future success.
Updated: 02:42, 9 Sep 2024
