Rodrygo urged to shine on pitch after Real Madrid struggles
- Rodrygo expressed disappointment at not being included in the 30-man shortlist for the Ballon d'Or, feeling he deserved a spot alongside teammates like Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe.
- Former Real Madrid player Alvaro Benito advised Rodrygo to focus on his performance on the pitch rather than off-field comments, emphasizing that he needs to prove himself through his play.
- Benito acknowledged Rodrygo's talent but noted that he is currently behind Vinicius Jr. and Mbappe in the team's attacking hierarchy, suggesting that he must earn his place.
Rodrygo, a 23-year-old forward for Real Madrid, recently voiced his frustration over not being included in the prestigious Ballon d'Or shortlist. He felt that his contributions warranted a place among notable players like Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, and Vinicius Jr. Despite acknowledging the talents of those selected, Rodrygo expressed a belief that he deserved recognition for his performances over the past season. In response to Rodrygo's comments, Alvaro Benito, a respected former Real Madrid player and television pundit, emphasized the importance of demonstrating skill on the pitch rather than making statements off it. Benito suggested that Rodrygo should focus on his game and let his abilities speak for themselves, as he has the potential to excel given his talent. Benito pointed out that Rodrygo currently finds himself behind Vinicius Jr. and Mbappe in the team's attacking structure, which complicates his position. He noted that while Rodrygo has shown promise, he must recognize the competitive nature of the squad and the need to earn his place through consistent performance. Ultimately, the advice from Benito serves as a reminder for Rodrygo to channel his energy into improving his game, as success on the field is the most effective way to gain recognition and respect in the highly competitive environment of professional football.