Neymar makes feelings clear with pointed dig after Real Madrid star Rodrygo misses out on 2024 Ballon d'Or 30-man nomination list
Brazil legend Neymar has made his feelings clear with a pointed dig following Real Madrid star Rodrygo's Ballon d'Or snub. The two-time UEFA Champions League winner was left out of the 30-man nomination list for the prestigious award, set to be awarded in Paris this October.
The Brazilian was a key part of the Los Blancos side that claimed La Liga and Champions League glory last season, contributing 17 goals and nine assists in 51 appearances. He is also a regular part of the Selecao setup and was handed the iconic number 10 jersey in Neymar's absence for the recently concluded Copa America.
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star was unimpressed with his compatriot's exclusion from the 30-man shortlist and took to his Instagram story to voice his support, posting:
"Minimum top 5 of the world ace."
Rodrygo has impressively begun the new season, bagging a goal and an assist from his 293 minutes on the pitch across five appearances for Real Madrid. Neymar is currently recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury and will see his compatriot continue to deputize for him as the number 10 for the Brazilian national team.
When Neymar named Real Madrid stars Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr as his favorites for the Ballon d'Or
Back in June, Brazilian star Neymar tipped his compatriots, the Real Madrid duo of Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo, to make the podium for the 2024 Ballon d'Or. The duo were pivotal for Los Blancos last season, helping them conquer Spain and Europe.
The former Barcelona star believed that the duo had done enough to put themselves above the rest, telling BeIN Sports he believes Vini Jr would claim the prize in an interview, saying:
"Obviously the Ballon d'Or is his, I hope so. I sent him a message before the final (Champions League, against Borussia Dortmund) and another afterward. He is surely going to win the Ballon d'Or, he is incredible and proudly wears the colors of our country around the world."
He went on to name his top three for the prize, stating:
"Vini Júnior, first; Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham next, tied, and obviously Mbappé enters the fight among those three."