Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has encouraged his teammate Rodrygo to remain positive following the Brazilian’s omission from the 30-man shortlist for the 2024 Ballon d’Or. Despite his strong performances for the Spanish giants last season, Rodrygo’s name was surprisingly left off the list, leaving many to question the decision.
Real Madrid boasts an impressive seven players on this year’s Ballon d’Or shortlist, a testament to the club’s incredible depth of talent. However, Rodrygo’s exclusion has been met with disappointment, especially considering his standout performances for the team in both domestic and European competitions. The Brazilian forward, who played a pivotal role for Madrid throughout the season, had previously expressed his frustration about not being included in the list of nominees.
At just 23 years old, Rodrygo has been a key player for Real Madrid, with his speed, creativity, and goal-scoring ability making him an essential asset to the team. His contributions were vital in helping Real Madrid secure important victories, and many believed he had done enough to earn a place among the top 30 players in the world. However, the Ballon d’Or, awarded by France Football, is determined by a panel of journalists, and this year, their choices left Rodrygo out of the running.
Courtois, who is also on the shortlist for the prestigious award, has come to Rodrygo’s defense, offering words of reassurance to his younger teammate. Speaking about the matter, Courtois acknowledged Rodrygo’s feelings but insisted that the Brazilian should not let the omission affect his game. In a light-hearted comment, Courtois suggested that if Rodrygo performs even better when upset, then perhaps he should stay upset.
“Journalists put Jude’s, Vini’s, and Mbappé’s letters. But in the dressing room, we know Rodrygo’s importance and quality,” Courtois was quoted saying. “I don’t think Rodrygo needs to be upset, but if he plays better when he’s upset, then go ahead and be upset (laughs).” Courtois’ remarks underline the respect and recognition that Rodrygo has from his teammates, even if that recognition hasn’t yet extended to the broader football community.
Rodrygo’s exclusion from the Ballon d’Or shortlist stands in contrast to the inclusion of other Real Madrid players who have also had excellent seasons. Among the seven Madrid players on the list are some of the club’s brightest stars, including Jude Bellingham and Vinícius Júnior, both of whom have been pivotal to Madrid’s success. Bellingham, the 20-year-old English midfielder who joined Madrid over the summer, has already become a fan favorite and an integral part of the team, while Vinícius Júnior continues to shine as one of the world’s most exciting attacking talents.
The omission of Rodrygo could serve as motivation for the Brazilian international, pushing him to elevate his game to even greater heights in the coming season. Though it is undoubtedly disappointing for him to miss out on being shortlisted, the 23-year-old still has many years ahead of him to claim his place among the world’s best players. Given his talent and potential, it seems only a matter of time before Rodrygo finds himself in the conversation for football’s highest individual honors.
Rodrygo’s journey with Real Madrid has been one of steady progression, and he has already achieved much at such a young age. Since arriving from Brazilian club Santos in 2019, he has become a key figure in Real Madrid’s attack. His ability to perform in high-pressure moments, particularly in the UEFA Champions League, has earned him a reputation as a big-game player. Rodrygo has scored crucial goals for Madrid in some of the club’s most important matches, including dramatic late winners in Europe’s elite competition.
Despite his snub, Rodrygo will undoubtedly continue to focus on his performances on the pitch. Real Madrid will need him to be at his best as they pursue both domestic and European titles this season. With the club competing in La Liga, the UEFA Champions League, and other competitions, Rodrygo will have plenty of opportunities to showcase his talent and prove that he belongs among the best in the world.
For now, Courtois’ advice seems to have struck the right chord. The goalkeeper’s light-hearted approach to Rodrygo’s omission serves as a reminder that while individual awards are nice, they don’t define a player’s contribution to the team. In the eyes of his teammates, Rodrygo is already one of the best, and it is this camaraderie and support within the Real Madrid dressing room that will likely fuel his drive moving forward.
As Real Madrid continues to compete at the highest level, both domestically and in Europe, Rodrygo will have the chance to demonstrate his importance to the team once again. Whether or not the Ballon d’Or snub fuels him to greater heights remains to be seen, but with Courtois and his teammates behind him, Rodrygo will undoubtedly continue to shine for the Spanish giants.
In the end, the 2024 Ballon d’Or shortlist may have left Rodrygo out, but his journey is far from over. At 23, he has the potential to be a future contender for football’s biggest individual awards, and with the support of his team, he will continue to strive for success.
