Although there is still discussion about Rodrygo’s future at the Bernabeu, the forward for Real Madrid and Brazil continued to be a productive player on the field as he scored the game’s lone goal for his nation in a 1-0 victory over Ecuador. 

After helping Los Blancos win both the La Liga and the Champions League last season, the 23-year-old was controversially left off of the 30-man Ballon d’Or shortlist. His impressive goal came at the end of a week that saw him miss out on both. 

The forward was ‘upset’ to miss out on a spot in the team’s nomination, but teammates Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, Toni Kroos (who has since retired), Antonio Rudiger, and Dani Carvajal made the cut.

brand-new arrival Among the candidates was Kylian Mbappe, whose arrival has sparked rumours that Rodrygo’s spot in the Madrid team may be in jeopardy. 

Last month, Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti attempted to allay reporters’ concerns by saying that the team “knows what his qualities are.” Rodrygo has been started by the Italian in four of Madrid’s five games this season. 

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 made more evidence on Saturday when he netted the game’s lone goal to help Dorival Junior’s team defeat Ecuador in their World Cup qualifying match. And he repeated his team manager’s remarks following the game. 

“I want to score a lot more goals. I’ve scored a few with Brazil.” I am aware of my abilities and my limitations. He stated. “I’m just getting started, and I hope my teammates can help me score a lot more goals.”

Rodrygo surprised some by not making the Ballon d’Or shortlist last season, having scored five goals in the Champions League and ten in La Liga. 

In response to the announcement, the forward shared a number of pictures of himself and Madrid winning trophies along with an emoji that said “laugh.”

The Brazilian acknowledged that he was surprised by the exclusion and said that it bothered him. 

“I think I deserved it, but I was upset,” he said to ESPN. “I believe I had a place in the 30,” I said, not to minimise the players present. It caught me off guard. But since I don’t make these decisions, there isn’t much I can do.

“I made a somewhat mocking post,” he said. Not much to say at this point. Everyone is aware of my outrage. Everyone at Real Madrid and on the national team has been supportive of me. Individuals 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.