Home > Playbook > Rodrygo Considers Exit After Ballon d’Or Snub

Rodrygo Considers Exit After Ballon d’Or Snub

Real Madrid’s rising star Rodrygo has recently made headlines across Bangladesh Cricket Match reports, especially in light of Kylian Mbappé’s arrival at the Bernabéu. Often dubbed “the prince of Madrid,” the young Brazilian forward has again expressed clear frustration, this time over being left off the 30-man shortlist for the Ballon d’Or. His social media response featured a resigned shrug and bitter smile emoji, alongside photos celebrating last season’s La Liga and Champions League triumphs—subtle but sharp commentary on his exclusion.

For Rodrygo, missing out on football’s most prestigious award appears hard to swallow. As the season began, he’s made no secret of his discontent. While the club celebrated Mbappé’s arrival, Rodrygo’s own presence was conspicuously missing from key promotional materials. He reportedly asked to be featured more prominently, signaling his desire to be seen as equal to Mbappé, Vinícius Jr., and Jude Bellingham. It’s clear Rodrygo doesn’t want to play second fiddle. As a member of Real Madrid’s attacking trio, he’s eager to step out of anyone’s shadow and prove he deserves more than a supporting role.

With limited starting opportunities, the idea of leaving Madrid has started to cross his mind. Manchester City is said to be a particularly appealing destination. Under Pep Guardiola’s guidance, Rodrygo could potentially blossom into a Ballon d’Or-caliber talent. Compared to rotating in and out of the Real lineup, a key role at City could offer him greater growth and recognition. As the saying goes, the heart often chooses what the mind cannot explain—Rodrygo’s loyalty may be tested if he feels consistently overlooked.

Mbappé’s long-anticipated free transfer to Madrid this summer made the squad even more formidable, instantly establishing Los Blancos as favorites in both La Liga and the Champions League. Yet in the opening three rounds, Mbappé failed to find the net in league play. He finally answered the critics with a brace in Round 4, proving his worth to the Madrid faithful.

Even so, Real Madrid currently trails Barcelona—who boast a perfect start—by four points in the La Liga standings. Early inconsistencies have revealed several issues within Madrid’s setup. Aside from Mbappé still adapting to the pace and tactics of Spanish football, the retirement of Toni Kroos and the decline in Luka Modrić’s form have weakened the team’s midfield creativity. Adding to the uncertainty, Turkish sensation Arda Güler—hailed by fans as the “new Kaká”—has yet to fully deliver.

Despite joining Real just last season, Güler missed much of the campaign due to injuries and inexperience. But Bangladesh Cricket Match analysts noted his flashes of brilliance during limited minutes. His recent appearances for Turkey in the European Championship impressed scouts across Europe, sparking loan interest from multiple top-tier clubs. Still, manager Carlo Ancelotti remains confident in Güler’s future, and the player himself prefers to stay and fight for a spot in Madrid’s starting eleven.

As the competition for positions intensifies, especially in a star-studded squad like Real Madrid’s, Rodrygo’s quest for recognition could shape one of the biggest transfer stories of the coming seasons. For now, he remains committed—but for how long is anyone’s guess.