Neymar blasts Ballon d’Or snub

In a twist that has sent shockwaves through the football world, Real Madrid star Rodrygo was left off the 2024 Ballon d’Or shortlist — a move that hasn’t sat well with Neymar.

The Brazilian icon took to social media to express his disbelief, throwing his full support behind his fellow countryman. Neymar, known for his candid takes, called Rodrygo “minimum top 5 in the world” in a message that has since sparked a heated debate among fans and pundits alike.

Rodrygo’s omission comes as a surprise, especially considering his stellar performances last season. The 23-year-old played 51 games across all competitions, scoring 17 goals and being instrumental in Real Madrid’s run to La Liga and Champions League success.

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Despite these achievements, Rodrygo was overlooked while some of his Real Madrid teammates, including Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr, and Federico Valverde, were nominated.

Neymar’s public backing of Rodrygo reflects the shock shared by many fans who believe the forward’s impact on the field was undeniable. “How can Rodrygo not be on the list? He’s been crucial for Madrid,” one fan tweeted.

Neymar, who has been vocal about his admiration for the younger Brazilian, doubled down on his praise, implying that Rodrygo’s exclusion from the top 30 was a gross oversight. “Top 5 in the world, no question,” Neymar emphasized, referring to Rodrygo as “craque” — a Brazilian term for a genius player.

Rodrygo, who joined Real Madrid in 2019, has since proven his worth on the global stage. With 55 goals in 221 appearances and multiple trophies under his belt — including three La Liga titles and two Champions Leagues — he has established himself as one of the most promising talents in world football.

His consistency, work rate, and knack for delivering in crucial moments have made him a key figure at Los Blancos. Still, it wasn’t enough to earn him a spot on the 2024 Ballon d’Or list, despite other players with arguably lesser contributions being included.

The Ballon d’Or shortlist also saw other notable omissions, including Premier League stars Mohamed Salah, Kevin De Bruyne, and Virgil van Dijk.

However, the absence of Rodrygo, in particular, has raised eyebrows considering his contributions to Real Madrid’s silverware-filled campaign. While Neymar’s backing has reignited conversations about Rodrygo’s value, many are left questioning whether the Ballon d’Or criteria truly reflect the current state of world football.

Meanwhile, several of Rodrygo’s teammates, such as Toni Kroos, Antonio Rudiger, and Kylian Mbappe, made the cut. Neymar’s comments have led to fresh debates over what exactly defines a “top 5” player. Is it stats alone, or is it a player’s ability to shine on the biggest stage?

For Neymar, it seems clear that Rodrygo’s exclusion is not just a snub but a significant oversight by the Ballon d’Or selection panel.