Real Madrid star Rodrygo shares his frustration at current role and lack of Ballon D’or nomination | OneFootball

When the 30-man shortlist for the Ballon d’Or was unveiled, Real Madrid and Brazil star Rodrygo felt left out when he discovered he hadn’t made the list.

As a key member of Carlo Ancelotti’s star-studded squad, The 23-year-old can count himself as a true world-class forward, having won an array of trophies on the biggest stages.

However, the decision-makers at France Football clearly don’t agree, leading to his omission from the shortlist for the coveted prize.

In an interview with ESPN, the Brazilian star shared his frustrations at being overlooked for the Ballon d’Or and his current role as a versatile forward.

“I was upset, I thought I deserved it, 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 told the broadcaster.

The forward then continued, “Often I’m just filling spaces, is there someone missing there? Put Rodrygo in. Is there someone missing on the right? Rodrygo. Is there someone missing as a No. 9? Rodrygo. That’s it. It might bother me a little bit, but I’m a team player.”

These statements show a certain level of frustration on behalf of the 23-year-old that he hasn’t quite kicked on to become one of the world’s best.

With the arrival of Kylian Mbappe perhaps putting pressure on Rodrygo’s spot in the squad, Real Madrid will have to be careful not to allow his frustrations to make him start to look elsewhere.

GSFN | Ciaran Currie