Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has sparked controversy after downplaying the significance of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) during discussions on Mohamed Salah’s chances of winning the prestigious Ballon d'Or this year. Speaking on Sky Sports following Liverpool’s impressive 2-0 victory over Manchester City, Carragher implied Salah’s nationality and Egypt’s international performance could hinder his Ballon d'Or aspirations.
“I think the problem [is] the fact he’s with Egypt, and he’s probably not playing in the major tournament as such or maybe got a great chance of winning,” Carragher said. “I think it’s either the Champions League or the major tournament. Normally, the player who excells in those events, like Vini Jr. and Kylian Mbappe right now, tends to be favored.”
His comments ignited immediate backlash from other pundits. Micah Richards, also appearing on the panel, strongly countered Carragher’s assertion. “Just to say, AFCON is a major tournament because a lot of people are at home saying ‘they aren’t taking it seriously.’ AFCON is big,” Richards retorted, highlighting the tournament's importance.
Despite the pushback, Carragher remained adamant, questioning whether Egypt would be serious contenders for the World Cup, hinting at the perceived hierarchy of international tournaments.
Former England and Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge joined the discussion, defending the stature of AFCON. “It’s a fact. If you win the Euros or Copa América, it’s deemed to be significant, so the AFCON is at the same level,” he insisted. Sturridge reminisced about past AFCON battles involving Salah, reinforcing the point with historical contexts of the tournament.
With awareness of his controversial statements growing, conversations on social media began to swell, criticizing Carragher for seemingly dismissing the integrity of Africa’s premier footballing event. This sentiment echoed the long-standing debate over the global perception of African tournaments, often overshadowed by their European counterparts.
Salah, who scored and assisted during the victory against Manchester City, presently finds himself third on Liverpool’s all-time goalscoring list, marking one of his most incredible seasons at age 32. The Egyptian forward has netted 30 goals and provided 21 assists across all competitions this season, leaving many to question why his achievements at AFCON are dismissed when players from similar platforms are celebrated.
“The disrespect AFCON gets within pundits and fans is shocking. It’s as significant as the Euro or Copa America,” one social media user noted, reflecting broader frustrations surrounding the perception of African competitions compared to established European tournaments.
Both AFCON and Salah’s record demonstrate the intense competition and strive for excellence present within African football. Egypt holds the unprecedented record for the most AFCON titles, with seven championships and hopes pinned on securing their eighth title at the end of 2025. Salah's remarkable individual and team performances reinforce his candidacy for the Ballon d'Or as he continues to push boundaries within Liverpool's successful campaign.
Meanwhile, the Africa Cup of Nations and its standing within the football community are under examination now more than ever. The tournament will soon return to the limelight, as it is set to take place at the end of 2025, with various nations hoping to stake their claim. Richards and Sturridge's staunch defense of AFCON acts as both a reminder and call for respect toward the continent's football heritage.
With Liverpool at the forefront of the Premier League and aiming for potential triumphs across domestic and European competitions, Salah’s contributions and the opinions of those like Carragher will serve as pivotal talking points as votes for the Ballon d'Or begin to shape up later this year.