Rodrygo didn't seem happy after the Ballon d'Or finalists were announced (Image: Getty Images)
Real Madrid player Rodrygo made his disappointment at being denied the Ballon d'Or clear with a timely Instagram post.
The shortlist for the 2024 award was revealed on Wednesday evening, with expected names including Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane.
Several Real Madrid stars were in the running, including Jude Bellingham, Antonio Rudiger, Dani Carvajal, Federico Valverde, Vinicius Jr and even the retired Toni Kroos. However, one notable name was missing.
Despite an impressive season, Brazilian winger Rodrygo was left out of the squad. The 23-year-old scored 17 goals and provided nine assists, helping Real Madrid win La Liga, the Champions League and the Spanish Super Cup.
Rodrygo highlighted his success in a timely post on Instagram, sharing footage of himself celebrating with the trophies he has won throughout the season for Real Madrid, accompanied by a laughing and crying emoji.
Despite expressing his disappointment, Rodrygo had previously said that his teammate Vinicius Jr was the favourite to win the award, but he still harbours ambitions of winning it himself one day.
Speaking to Globo Esporte earlier this year, Rodrygo said: “We know that Vini is the main candidate to win it. [Ballon d’Or] and I support this decision because he is my teammate.”
He then added: “He [Ballon d’Or] It's not something that's my priority, but it's something that every player dreams of.”
Rodrygo has also been in fine form this season, contributing to Real Madrid's campaign with an opening-day goal against Mallorca and an assist. His performances could well put him in contention for Ballon d'Or nominations next year.
Vinicius Jr, for his part, made no secret of his desire to emulate Brazilian legends by winning the prestigious award. “I have Kaka as an example, I have Ronaldo [Nazario] who won the award twice, I have Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, many Brazilian players who won the Ballon d'Or.
“But without a doubt, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho are the ones I'm closest to, the ones who tell me every day that I have to win the Ballon d'Or. I was with Ronaldo earlier when I was in Ibiza and I was training at his house and he told me: 'Train here a few more days, to be closer to the Ballon d'Or.'
“These are players who have done incredible things and to be able to compete for the Ballon d'Or and win an award like the one they have won would be something truly incredible.”
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1944642/Real-Madrid-Ballon-dor-Rodrygo-exclusion