Although there is still discussion about Rodrygo’s future at the Bernabeu, the forward for Real Madrid and Brazil continued to be a productive player on the field as he scored the game’s lone goal for his nation in a 1-0 victory over Ecuador.
After helping Los Blancos win both the La Liga and the Champions League last season, the 23-year-old was controversially left off of the 30-man Ballon d’Or shortlist. His impressive goal came at the end of a week that saw him miss out on both.
The forward was ‘upset’ to miss out on a spot in the team’s nomination, but teammates Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, Toni Kroos (who has since retired), Antonio Rudiger, and Dani Carvajal made the cut.
brand-new arrival Among the candidates was Kylian Mbappe, whose arrival has sparked rumours that Rodrygo’s spot in the Madrid team may be in jeopardy.
Last month, Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti attempted to allay reporters’ concerns by saying that the team “knows what his qualities are.” Rodrygo has been started by the Italian in four of Madrid’s five games this season.
The Brazilian made more evidence on Saturday when he netted the game’s lone goal to help Dorival Junior’s team defeat Ecuador in their World Cup qualifying match. And he repeated his team manager’s remarks following the game.
“I want to score a lot more goals. I’ve scored a few with Brazil.” I am aware of my abilities and my limitations. He stated. “I’m just getting started, and I hope my teammates can help me score a lot more goals.”
After scoring 10 goals in LaLiga and five in the Champions League last season, Rodrygo’s absence from the Ballon d’Or shortlist came as a shоck.
The forward responded to the news by posting a series of photos of himself lifting trophies with Madrid, alongside a laughing emoji.
The Brazilian admitted that the snub came as a surprise to him and claimed that his omission was upsetting.
‘I was upset, I think I deserved it,’ he told ESPN. ‘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.’
He continued: ‘I made a somewhat mocking post. Now there’s not much to sаy. Everyone knows my indignation. Everyone [has supported me], both in the national team and at Real Madrid. People sent messages.’
After a rocky start to the season, Los Blancos are currently four points behind early leaders Barcelona after two victories and two draws in their first four games.
On Saturday night, the Spanish powerhouses will continue their campaign against Real Sociedad.