Real Madrid forward Rodrygo was left stunned after learning that he hadn’t received a nomination for this year’s Ballon d’Or award and now he’s unhappy with his role for Brazil
Real Madrid forward Rodrygo has expressed his frustration at being used as a utility player for Brazil.
The 23-year-old’s comments come just days after signalling his dismay towards France Football’s decision not to nominate him for this year’s Ballon d’Or award, with 30 other players getting the nod instead. Rodrygo helped Real to another La Liga-Champions League double, scoring crucial goals along the way.
Nailing down the right wing position in Madrid, Rodrygo is less assured when it comes to his national team. The versatile forward has been used across the front line for the Selecao, who are now managed by former Palmeiras midfielder Dorival Junior.
In an interview with ESPN following his winning goal in Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Ecuador, Rodrygo revealed his frustration at constantly ‘filling in the gaps’ for Brazil. “I’m aware that sometimes it gets in my way (to be able to play various roles),” he admitted.
“Many times I’m just filling in the gaps. Is someone missing there? Bring Rodrygo. Is someone missing on the right? Bring Rodrygo. Is someone missing at number nine? Bring Rodrygo. That can get in my way a bit, but I’m a team player, I think about my team. Wherever I’m needed, I’ll be there.
“But I think that, with my qualities, I like to float through the middle. It’s always good to have a nine to combine plays, but I like to have a lot of freedom. Having freedom is what I like most about playing.”
Too add to his frustration, Rodrygo was left stunned by the lack of a Ballon d’Or nomination earlier this week. On Instagram, he shared a number of images of him celebrating with the various trophies that he’d won with Real throughout the year and also posted a laughing crying emoji.
Rodrygo also told ESPN regarding his snub: “I was upset, I think 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.”
What’s more is that Real’s other Brazilian forward, Vinicius Junior, remains the firm favourite to win this year’s award. Rodrygo has, though, backed his team-mate to win the Ballon d’Or for the first time, telling Globo Esporte: We know that Vini is the main candidate to win it and I support this decision because he is my teammate. It [the Ballon d’Or] not something that’s my priority, but it’s something every player dreams of.”
This year’s award ceremony takes place at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris on Monday, October 28.
