Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti breaks silence on Rodrygo missing out on 2024 Ballon d’Or shortlist

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has sympathized with Rodrygo Goes after he missed out on the Ballon d'Or shortlist this year. The Brazilian forward failed to make it to the final 30 nominee list that contains many of his current teammates.

Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, Dani Carvajal, Federico Valverde, and Antonio Rudiger all made the cut.

Meanwhile, Rodrygo was also indispensable for Los Blancos last season. The 23-year-old registered 17 goals and nine assists from 51 games across competitions. 43 of those were starts, with the Brazilian playing a key role as the La Liga giants won the league, the Champions League and the Supercopa de Espana.

As such, Rodrygo has every right to feel disappointed at failing to make the Ballon d'Or shortlist.

Speaking to the press, as cited by Madrid Xtra, the Italian manager admitted that Rodrygo should have made the cut for the coveted award.

"Rodrygo and the Ballon d'Or? He should have been among the nominees, no doubts. I understand him," said Ancelotti.

Interestingly, there have already been reports that the player is unsettled at Real Madrid following the arrival of Mbappe.

The French superstar completed a Bosman move this summer after the expiry of his contract with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). He has arguably stolen Rodrygo's limelight and the latter was heavily linked with an exit over the summer.

Liverpool and Manchester City were apparently interested in the Brazilian, while Arsenal were also linked with the player. However, Rodrygo ended up staying at the Santiago Bernabeu for the moment.

Will the Ballon d'Or trophy come to Real Madrid this year?

Rodrygo Goes

Real Madrid have six players in the Ballon d'Or shortlist, the most among all the clubs. As such, there's a big chance that the coveted award could end up at the Santiago Bernabeu this year.

Vinicius is among the favorites for the coveted award, along with Manchester City midfielder Rodri. The winner will be announced on October 28, 2024.

However, Rodrygo's snub will be a source of disappointment for Los Blancos hierarchy as well. The 23-year-old remains a key figure for the La Liga champions, who are fighting on multiple fronts this season.

Carlo Ancelotti has had to shuffle his tactics to accommodate Kylian Mbappe, and Rodrygo has been pushed to the right forward role as a result. The Brazilian excelled through the center last season and has struggled in the new position so far. The recent Ballon d'Or snub is likely to further dampen his spirits.

Rodrygo is under contract with Real Madrid until 2028.