Real Madrid and Brazil forward Rodrygo continued to produce the goods on the field as he scored the only goal for his country in a 1-0 win over Ecuador, though speculation still surrounds his future at the Bernabeu.
The 23-year-old’s powerful strike came at the end of a week in which he was controversially omitted from the 30-man Ballon d’Or shortlist, having helped Los Blancos secure a LaLiga and Champions League double last term.
Team-mates Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, Toni Kroos, who has since retired, Antonio Rudiger and Dani Carvajal were nominated but there was no place for the forward, who admitted that he was ‘upset’ to miss out.
New arrival Kylian Mbappe was also among the nominees and the Frenchman’s arrival has led to speculation that Rodrygo’s place in the Madrid squad could be under pressure.
Madrid Boss Carlo Ancelotti sought to dispel those fears last month and told reporters that the club ‘know what his qualities are’. The Italian has started Rodrygo in four of Madrid’s five games so far this term.
Rodrygo scored the winner for Brazil in a 1-0 World Cup qualifier against Ecuador on Saturday
Kylian Mbappe’s arrival has sparked speculation that the 23-year-old could be facing an exit
Carlo Ancelotti sought to dispel those fears last month and has started the forward in four of Madrid’s first five games ahead of his call-up for international duty with Brazil last week
The Brazilian continued to make his case on Saturday as he scored the only goal for Dorival Junior’s side , who squeezed past Ecuador in their World Cup qualifier. And after the game he echoed the words of his club manager.
‘I’ve scored a few goals [with Brazil] and I want many more. I know my quality and how far I can go.’ He said. ‘I’m still starting out, and I hope that with the help of my teammates I can score many more.’
After scoring 10 goals in LaLiga and five in the Champions League last season, Rodrygo’s absence from the Ballon d’Or shortlist came as a shock.
The forward responded to the news by posting a series of photos of himself lifting trophies with Madrid, alongside a laughing emoji.
The Brazilian admitted that the snub came as a surprise to him and claimed that his omission was upsetting.
‘I was upset, I think I deserved it,’ he told ESPN. ‘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.’
He continued: ‘I made a somewhat mocking post. Now there’s not much to say. Everyone knows my indignation. Everyone [has supported me], both in the national team and at Real Madrid. People sent messages.’
The relationship between Mbappe and Rodrygo has been the subject of much speculation
Los Blancos have made a laboured start to their campaign and have recorded two wins and two draws from their first four matches to sit four points behind early pace setters Barcelona.
The Spanish giants resume their campaign against Real Sociedad on Saturday night.
