Sept 9 (Askume) – Brazilian Rodrygo said his versatility cost him a Ballon d’Or nomination after the Real Madrid striker was not included in the 30-strong shortlist for the award.
The 23-year-old made 51 appearances for the club last season, scoring 17 goals and providing nine assists.
His Madrid teammates Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, Dani Carvajal, Federico Valverde, Antonio Rudiger and the now-retired Toni Kroos have all been nominated.
Kylian Mbappe, who joined Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain last season, is also on the shortlist.
“I’m disappointed and I think I deserve it,” Rodrygo told ESPN. “I don’t want to undermine the players there, I think they deserve it too.
“But I think I’m in the top 30. It’s a surprise, but I can’t do anything about it because I’m not the person who decides these things.”
Rodrigo primarily plays on the right, but can also play as a left back or centre-forward and is often used as a second striker by head coach Carlo Ancelotti.
“Usually, I just fill in the blanks,” Rodrigo said. “Is there anybody missing there? Put Rodrigo there. Is there anybody missing on the right? Rodrigo. Is there anybody missing on the nine? Rodrigo. That’s it.”
“It might get in my way a little bit, but I’m a team player.”
The winner of the prize will be announced at a ceremony in Paris on October 28.
