Real Madrid player attacks the Ballon d’Or shortlist in a timely remark following major snub

One star was left notably unimpressed after missing out on a nomination after the Ballon d’Or shortlist for 2024 was announced on Wednesday night.

Rodrygo, a member of Real Madrid, has expressed his disappointment regarding his failure to receive the Ballon d’Or in an opportune Instagram post.

Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, and Harry Kane comprised the 2024 award shortlist, which was disclosed on Wednesday evening.

Numerous Real Madrid players, including Jude Bellingham, Antonio Rudiger, Dani Carvajal, Federico Valverde, Vinicius Jr., and the departed Toni Kroos, were nominated. Nevertheless, one prominent namesake was absent.

Brazilian winger Rodrygo was not included in the squad, despite his exceptional season. Real Madrid’s success in La Liga, the Champions League, and the Spanish SuperCup was facilitated by the 23-year-old’s 17 goals and nine assists.

Rodrygo celebrated his accomplishments with the trophies he had won for Real Madrid during the season in a timely Instagram post. The post was accompanied by a laughing weeping emoji.

Although Rodrygo has expressed his disappointment, he had previously stated that his teammate Vinicius Jr is the favourite to receive the award. However, he still harbours ambitions of claiming it himself one day.

Rodrygo stated in an interview with Globo Esporte earlier this year, “We are aware that Vini is the primary contender for the Ballon d’Or, and I endorse this decision due to our shared affiliation.”

He concluded by saying: “It [Ballon d’Or] is not something that’s my priority, but it’s something every player dreams of.”

Rodrygo has been in excellent form at the beginning of this season, contributing to Real Madrid’s campaign with a goal on the opening day against Mallorca and an assist. His performances have the potential to qualify him for the Ballon d’Or nominations in the upcoming year.

Vinicius Jr., on the other hand, has consistently expressed his aspiration to emulate Brazilian luminaries by winning the esteemed award. I have Ronaldo [Nazario] as an example, who has won the award twice, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, and a number of Brazilian athletes who have won the Ballon d’Or.

“However, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho are the individuals with whom I am most closely associated, and they consistently encourage me to compete for the Ballon d’Or.” I was recently in Ibiza and training at Ronaldo’s residence. He advised me to train here for an additional few days in order to be 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.”