Real Madrid star blasts Ballon d'Or shortlist in timely post after notable snub

Real Madrid’s Rodrygo has made his disappointment over his Ballon d’Or snub pretty clear with a timely Instagram post.

The shortlist for the 2024 award was revealed on Wednesday evening, featuring expected names such as Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane.

Several Real Madrid stars including Jude Bellingham, Antonio Rudiger, Dani Carvajal, Federico Valverde, Vinicius Jr and even the retired Toni Kroos were nominated. However, one notable name was absent.

Despite having an impressive season, Brazilian winger Rodrygo did not make the cut. The 23-year-old netted 17 goals and provided nine assists, helping Real Madrid win La Liga, the Champions League and the Spanish SuperCup title.

Rodrygo highlighted his succces in a timely message on Instagram, sharing images of him celebrating with the trophies he won throughout the season for Real Madrid, accompanied by a laughing crying emoji.

Although he has expressed his disappointment, Rodrygo had previously stated that his team-mate Vinicius Jr is the favourite to win the award, but he still harbours ambitions of claiming 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 team-mate.”

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

Rodrygo has been in fine form at the start of this season too, contributing to Real Madrid’s campaign with a goal on the opening day against Mallorca while he also has an assist. His performances could well put him in contention for next year’s Ballon d’Or nominations.

Vinicius Jr, meanwhile, has made no secret of his desire to emulate Brazilian legends by clinching the prestigious award. “I have Kaka as an example, I have Ronaldo [Nazario] who won the award twice, I have Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, a lot of Brazilian players who have won the Ballon d’Or.

“But without a doubt, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho are the ones I’m closest with, who tell me every day that I have to win the Ballon d’Or. I was with Ronaldo just now when I was in Ibiza and trained at his house and he told me: ‘Train here a few more days, so you are 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.”