Real Madrid have made a shaky start to the season, as they still adjust to the presence Kylian Mbappe in their starting XI.
It did look like things were improving in their last game before the international break, as the Frenchman scored a brace to help them to a 2-0 win over Real Betis. Hopefully, things will continue on an upward trajectory from here.
Recently, the top 30 nominations for the Ballon d'Or have been announced as well. Unsurprisingly, there are plenty of Real Madrid players on the list after their Champions League and La Liga double-winning campaign.
One name that is not on that list though is that of Rodrygo. The Br azilian international played a vital part in Real Madrid's double last season and has been a regular for his national team. That was not enough to be considered among the top 30 players in the world though.
Rodrygo is clearly not happy with the snub although he knows there is nothing that he can do about it. As reported by AS, he told while talking to ESPN:
"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 is not much I can do, I am not the one who decides these things."
One problem with Rodrygo's 23/24 season was that he was inconsistent. Between late October to December, he performed like one of the best players on the planet. But other than that two-month period, his output was not impressive.
That being said, Rodrygo did rise up to the plate in big moments. He scored in both legs against Manchester City. He provided an assist in the semis against Bayern Munich. He scored and assisted in the Supercopa final against Barcelona.
Overall, it was not Rodrygo's best season by any means. But considering his achievements and his ability to perform in the big games, he deserved a place in the Ballon d'Or top 30.