Despite their impressive performances throughout the year, some notable players found themselves left off the prestigious Ballon d’Or nominees list.
One such exclusion was Kevin De Bruyne, whose consistently high-quality play for Manchester City has been instrumental in the team’s domestic and European success. Yet, despite this, De Bruyne was snubbed from the list.
Perhaps the most surprising snub on the Ballon d’Or shortlist was that of Real Madrid’s Rodrygo Goes. Despite his consistent and impactful performances for the Spanish giants, particularly in the Champions League, the talented Brazilian found himself overlooked in favour of Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka.
Kwara Express comparing Bukayo Saka and Rodrygo Goes for the 2023/24 seasons in all competitions involves looking at various performance metrics. Here’s a detailed comparison based on their 2023 campaigns:
Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
- Appearances: 52
- Goals: 21
- Assists: 16
- Key Contributions: Saka was a crucial player for Arsenal, contributing significantly in both the Premier League and European competitions. His versatility allowed him to play effectively on both wings and occasionally as an attacking midfielder.
- Notable Achievements: Saka was integral to Arsenal’s competitive campaign, including their strong Premier League performance and progress in domestic cups.
Rodrygo Goes (Real Madrid)
- Appearances: 54
- Goals: 18
- Assists: 12
- Key Contributions: Rodrygo had a strong season for Real Madrid, playing a significant role in La Liga, the Champions League, and domestic cup competitions. His ability to score important goals and provide assists was notable.
- Notable Achievements: Rodrygo was influential in Real Madrid’s campaign, including notable performances in the Champions League where he scored crucial goals in knockout stages.
Summary
- Goals: Saka scored 3 more goals than Rodrygo.
- Assists: Saka had 4 more assists than Rodrygo.
Appearances: Rodrygo appeared in 2 more matches than Saka.
In 2024:
For the 2024 season, here is a comparison of Bukayo Saka and Rodrygo Goes based on their performances across all competitions:
Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
- Appearances: 49
- Goals: 19
- Assists: 15
- Key Contributions: Saka continued to be a central figure for Arsenal, making significant contributions in the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA competitions. His ability to create and score goals was crucial for Arsenal’s attacking play.
- Notable Achievements: Saka’s performances were instrumental in Arsenal’s strong league campaign and their progress in domestic and European tournaments.
Rodrygo Goes (Real Madrid)
- Appearances: 50
- Goals: 20
- Assists: 13
- Key Contributions: Rodrygo maintained his form for Real Madrid, showing his importance in La Liga, the Champions League, and domestic cups. His knack for scoring key goals and providing assists was evident throughout the season.
- Notable Achievements: Rodrygo played a vital role in Real Madrid’s successful campaign in the Champions League and their strong domestic performance.
Summary
- Goals: Rodrygo scored 1 more goal than Saka.
- Assists: Saka had 2 more assists than Rodrygo.
Appearances: Rodrygo played 1 more match than Saka.
In 2024, both players showcased their abilities effectively for their respective clubs, with Rodrygo having a slight edge in goals, while Saka provided more assists. Both were key contributors to their teams’ successes in various competitions.
While Saka undoubtedly had a strong season for the Gunners, the inclusion of the young Englishman on the list while excluding a player of Rodrygo’s calibre raises questions about the criteria used by France Football in their selection process.
Other notable players left out of the running included Mohamed Salah, Rodrygo Goes, Robert Lewandowski, Julian Alvarez, and Virgil van Dijk, all of whom had impressive seasons with their respective clubs.
