"At least top 15 or top 10 in the world" - Marcelo surprised by Real Madrid superstar's exclusion from Ballon d'Or shortlist
Real Madrid legend Marcelo has questioned the selection process that saw compatriot Rodrygo miss out on the 30-man Ballon d'Or shortlist for 2024. The forward was left off the list despite having starred for Los Blancos as they claimed a 15th UEFA Champions League title.
Rodrygo was a surprise exclusion from the shortlist for the 2024 Ballon d'Or after France Football released the list of 30 nominees. The 23-year-old's exclusion has raised a great deal of questions from fans and players, alike, with Neymar having also questioned the decision.
In an interview, it was the turn of Marcelo to raise the point of his former teammate being deserving of a spot in the 30-man Ballon d'Or shortlist. The 36-year-old Fluminense defender said he did not understand the criteria that saw the forward miss out on a nomination.
He said (via @MadridXtra on X):
“Rodrygo not nominated for the Ballon d’Or? I didn’t understand that. We don’t know what their criteria is. For me, Rodrygo is at least top 15 or top 10 in the world.”
Rodrygo formed part of a potent attacking trident for Real Madrid in the 2023-24 season alongside Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham. While the other two players received nominations, the former Santos prodigy was the only one of the trio not to.
Rodrygo finished the campaign with 17 goals and nine assists in 51 appearances across all competitions as the side won LaLiga, Supercopa de Espana the UEFA Champions League. He also featured in Copa America for the Brazilian national team as they crashed out at the quarterfinal stage.
Real Madrid target and Ballon d'Or nominee on target in Germany win
Real Madrid target Florian Wirtz was on the scoresheet for Germany as they trounced Hungary 5-0 in their UEFA Nations League meeting on September 7. The Bayer Leverkusen man helped Julian Nagelsmann's side begin their Nations League campaign with a win.
The reigning Bundesliga Player of the Year, Wirtz was nominated for the 2024 Ballon d'Or after an excellent season for club and country. The midfielder scored 11 goals and provided 11 assists to help his side win the Bundesliga without losing a single game before scoring two in five for Germany at the Euros.
Marca reported back in June that Los Blancos had reached an agreement with Wirtz to sign for them in the summer of 2025. The midfielder has started the season with two goals in two league games and may be on course for a high Ballon d'Or finish.