<p>Brazilian Rodrygo said his versatility may have cost him a Ballon d'Or nomination after the Real Madrid forward was not among the 30 names short-listed for the prestigious award.</p><p>The 23-year-old scored 17 goals and registered nine assists in 51 appearances for the club last season.</p><p>His Madrid team mates Vinicius Jr, Jude Bellingham, Dani Carvajal, Federico Valverde, Antonio Rudiger, as well as the now-retired Toni Kroos, were all nominated.</p><p>Kylian Mbappe, who arrived at Madrid from Paris St Germain in the close season, was also on the shortlist.</p><p>"I was upset, I think I deserved it," Rodrygo told <em>ESPN</em>. "I don't want to belittle the players who are there, I think they deserved it also.</p>.Ballon d'Or nominees: No Messi, Ronaldo for the first time since 2003; Bellingham, Rodri make list.<p>"But I think I had a place in the 30. It was a surprise but there is not much I can do as I'm not the one who decides these things."</p><p>Rodrygo primarily plays on the right but can also play on the left or as a centre forward, and is often utilized as a second striker by coach Carlo Ancelotti.</p><p>"Often, I'm just filling spaces," Rodrygo added. "Is someone missing there? Put Rodrygo in. Is someone missing on the right? Rodrygo. Is someone missing as number nine? Rodrygo. That's it.</p><p>"It may get in my way a little, but I'm a team player."</p><p>The winner of the award will be announced at a ceremony in Paris on Oct. 28.</p>
<p>Brazilian Rodrygo said his versatility may have cost him a Ballon d'Or nomination after the Real Madrid forward was not among the 30 names short-listed for the prestigious award.</p><p>The 23-year-old scored 17 goals and registered nine assists in 51 appearances for the club last season.</p><p>His Madrid team mates Vinicius Jr, Jude Bellingham, Dani Carvajal, Federico Valverde, Antonio Rudiger, as well as the now-retired Toni Kroos, were all nominated.</p><p>Kylian Mbappe, who arrived at Madrid from Paris St Germain in the close season, was also on the shortlist.</p><p>"I was upset, I think I deserved it," Rodrygo told <em>ESPN</em>. "I don't want to belittle the players who are there, I think they deserved it also.</p>.Ballon d'Or nominees: No Messi, Ronaldo for the first time since 2003; Bellingham, Rodri make list.<p>"But I think I had a place in the 30. It was a surprise but there is not much I can do as I'm not the one who decides these things."</p><p>Rodrygo primarily plays on the right but can also play on the left or as a centre forward, and is often utilized as a second striker by coach Carlo Ancelotti.</p><p>"Often, I'm just filling spaces," Rodrygo added. "Is someone missing there? Put Rodrygo in. Is someone missing on the right? Rodrygo. Is someone missing as number nine? Rodrygo. That's it.</p><p>"It may get in my way a little, but I'm a team player."</p><p>The winner of the award will be announced at a ceremony in Paris on Oct. 28.</p>