Rodrygo expressed his frustration about being left off the men’s Ballon d’Or shortlist, despite his key contributions to Real Madrid’s La Liga and Champions League triumphs last season.
Several of his teammates, including Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, Toni Kroos, Antonio Rüdiger, Dani Carvajal, and new signing Kylian Mbappé, were named on the prestigious 30-man list, but Rodrygo was notably absent.
“I was upset; I think I deserved it,” Rodrygo told ESPN in an exclusive interview on Sunday. “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.”
The Ballon d’Or winner is set to be revealed during a ceremony in Paris on October 28. Last season, Rodrygo netted 10 goals in 34 LaLiga appearances and added five goals in the Champions League for Real Madrid.
Despite competition from the arrival of Kylian Mbappé, Rodrygo has remained in Carlo Ancelotti’s starting lineup as part of a three-man attack.
Recently, Rodrygo took to social media, sharing photos of himself holding trophies with Madrid, accompanied by a laughing emoji. He later admitted the post was meant to poke fun at his omission from the Ballon d’Or shortlist.
“I made a somewhat mocking post,” Rodrygo said. “Now there’s not much to say. Everyone knows my indignation. Everyone [has supported me], both in the national team and at Real Madrid. People sent messages.”
Rodrygo admitted that his versatility has inhibited his progress, especially with Brazil, who play Paraguay in a World Cup qualifier on Tuesday.
The forward scored the only goal of the game in a 1-0 victory over Ecuador this weekend.
“Often, I’m just filling spaces,” Rodrygo said. “Is someone missing there? Put Rodrygo in. Is someone missing on the right? Rodrygo. Is someone missing as No. 9? Rodrygo. That’s it. It may get in my way a little, but I’m a team player.”
Rodrygo was asked about Madrid and Brazil teenager Endrick, who has been given the ironic nickname “Bobby” by teammates after citing England legend Bobby Charlton as one of his idols.
“Now he has become Bobby!” Rodrygo told ESPN. “He is no longer Endrick. He’s become Bobby, that’s it. There’s nothing to be done, if he gets angry, it’s worse!”