Real Madrid star Rodrygo, who savoured La Liga and Champions League glory last season, has reacted to being left off the 30-man Ballon d’Or shortlist.
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Contenders for 2024 Golden Ball revealedBrazilian forward not on the listTrying to laugh off disappointing snubWHAT HAPPENED?
The 23-year-old Brazil international registered 17 goals for the Blancos during the 2023-24 campaign as they landed domestic and continental crowns. He made over 50 appearances in all competitions, becoming a key figure in Carlo Ancelotti’s plans.
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Rodrygo has retained his place in Real’s starting XI at the start of the current season despite seeing World Cup winner Kylian Mbappe and teenage wonderkid Endrick arrive at Santiago Bernabeu to provide further competition for attacking berths.
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The South American has, however, been overlooked for the most prestigious individual prize in world football. France Football found no place for Rodrygo on their list of contenders to be named the best player on the planet – leading to the Real forward reminding them of his achievements, while adding a laughing emoji for good measure.
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While Rodrygo has been snubbed, a number of his Madrid colleagues are in contention for the 2024 Golden Ball. Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham are considered to boast serious claims to that prize, while Dani Carvajal, Toni Kroos, Antonio Rudiger and Fede Valverde are also in the running – along with Mbappe.