Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has ignited controversy by downplaying the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) while discussing Mohamed Salah’s chances of winning the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
Speaking on Sky Sports following Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Manchester City, Carragher suggested that Salah’s nationality and Egypt’s international record could work against him in the Ballon d’Or race.
Carragher’s Controversial Take on AFCON
“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 stated.
“I think it’s either the Champions League or the major tournament. Normally, the player who excels in that, like Vini Jr. and (Kylian) Mbappé right now, Real Madrid looking really good going for the Champions League.”
His remarks immediately sparked backlash, with fellow pundit Micah Richards pushing back, firmly defending AFCON’s status as a top international tournament.
Micah Richards Fires Back – “AFCON is a Major Tournament”
“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 a big tournament, just so you know,” Richards countered.
Carragher, however, stood his ground, implying that AFCON’s impact on the Ballon d’Or was limited because Egypt wouldn’t be contenders for the FIFA World Cup.
Daniel Sturridge Shuts Down Carragher’s Argument
Former England and Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge also jumped into the debate, shutting down Carragher’s comments with a clear response:
“It’s a fact. If you win the Euros or Copa América, it’s deemed to be big, so the AFCON is at the same level.”
As Carragher attempted to downplay the discussion, Richards refused to let it slide, reminding him of the intense battles between Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané at AFCON.
“You remember when he and Mané were going for it and—” Richards began before Carragher interrupted, exclaiming, “Oh God.”
European Bias? The Ongoing Debate Over AFCON’s Global Recognition
Carragher’s comments have reignited long-standing debates over how European football views African competitions, with AFCON often receiving less recognition than the UEFA European Championship or Copa América.
AFCON remains Africa’s premier international competition, producing legendary players and historic moments.
Yet, European pundits frequently question its significance when discussing awards like the Ballon d’Or.
Salah’s Ballon d’Or Chances & Liverpool’s Title Push
Despite the debate, Salah continues to make his case for football’s top individual honor. He was instrumental in Liverpool’s victory over Manchester City, scoring and assisting to solidify his place as third on Liverpool’s all-time goalscoring chart.
Meanwhile, AFCON 2025 set for early next year or possibly late December.
