Ballon d’Or 2024: I deserved it – Rodrygo reveals why organizers snubbed him

Real Madrid forward, Rodrygo, has claimed he is a victim of his own versatility, after he was excluded from the final 30-man Ballon d’Or shortlist.

Rodrygo, however, admitted he was “upset” after being left out of the nominations.

The 23-year-old scored 17 goals and provided nine assists for the LaLiga club last term as they won the Champions League and LaLiga.

But it was not enough to see him listed among the best players in the world this year.

Rodrygo told 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’s not much I can do, I’m not the one who decides these things.”

Rodrygo also suggested his versatility may have worked, adding that: “Often, I’m just filling spaces.

“Is someone missing there? Put Rodrygo in. Is someone missing on the right? Rodrygo. Is someone missing as No. 9? Rodrygo. That’s it. It may get in my way a little, but I’m a team player.”