Real Madrid forward Rodrygo has expressed his surprise at being left off the shortlist for the 2024 Ballon d’Or. The 23-year-old Brazilian, who has flourished during his five years at the Bernabeu, was notably absent from the 30-player list for the prestigious award, despite a standout 2023-24 season.

Rodrygo has become a key player for Real Madrid, contributing 55 goals and 42 assists in 221 appearances across all competitions. In the last campaign, he played a crucial role in helping Los Blancos secure both the La Liga title and another Champions League triumph, recording 17 goals and nine assists.

However, when the Ballon d’Or shortlist was revealed last week, Rodrygo was left off, much to his surprise.

Speaking to ESPN ahead of Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Paraguay, Rodrygo admitted feeling disappointed. “I was upset, I think I deserved it,” he said. “I don’t want to belittle the players who are there—they deserved it too. But I believe I had a place in the 30.”

Despite his omission, Rodrygo remains focused on the pitch, scoring the decisive goal in Brazil’s 1-0 World Cup qualifying win over Ecuador on Friday.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid teammates Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rudiger, Toni Kroos, and Federico Valverde all made the Ballon d’Or shortlist, further underscoring the club’s dominance.

However, Rodrygo’s exclusion has raised eyebrows, with some suggesting players like Inter Milan’s Hakan Calhanoglu and Paris Saint-Germain’s Vitinha were fortunate to make the cut.

Rodrygo will aim to continue proving his worth as he leads Brazil into their next qualifier against Paraguay on Tuesday.