Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has ignited a firestorm of controversy with comments questioning the significance of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in the context of Mohamed Salah’s Ballon d’Or prospects. The remarks, made during a Sky Sports discussion following Liverpool’s 2-0 triumph over Manchester City on Sunday, have drawn sharp criticism from fellow pundits and reignited broader discussions about the global perception of African football.
Carragher’s comments came as part of an analysis of Salah’s standout performance in Liverpool’s victory at the Etihad Stadium, where the Egyptian forward scored and provided an assist. With this display, Salah further solidified his remarkable season, climbing to third on Liverpool’s all-time goalscoring list and earning widespread praise as a contender for the Ballon d’Or, football’s most coveted individual accolade. However, Carragher suggested that Salah’s nationality and Egypt’s international pedigree might undermine his chances of winning the award.
“I think the problem is the fact he’s with Egypt, and he’s probably not playing in a major tournament as such or maybe got a great chance of winning,” Carragher remarked. He argued that Ballon d’Or recognition typically hinges on exceptional performances in what he considers “major” competitions, such as the UEFA Champions League or globally prominent international tournaments. Citing players like Vinícius Jr. and Kylian Mbappé, who are excelling with Real Madrid in the Champions League, Carragher emphasized that success in these high-profile events often tips the scales for the award.
Carragher’s dismissal of AFCON as a “major tournament” immediately drew pushback from Sky Sports colleague Micah Richards, a former Manchester City defender. Richards was quick to challenge the assertion, stressing the tournament’s importance. “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,” he countered firmly. His rebuttal highlighted a growing frustration with the tendency among some European commentators to undervalue African football’s premier international competition.
Undeterred, Carragher doubled down, questioning Egypt’s status as a contender on the world stage. “Are Egypt going to be contenders for the World Cup?” he asked rhetorically, implying that only tournaments with the biggest global reach significantly influence Ballon d’Or voting. His stance appeared to dismiss AFCON’s relevance, despite its stature as Africa’s flagship national team event.
The debate intensified as former England and Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge entered the conversation, unequivocally rejecting Carragher’s viewpoint. “It’s a fact,” Sturridge declared. “If you win the Euros or Copa América, it’s deemed to be big, so the AFCON is at the same level.” His assertion underscored the parity between AFCON and other continental tournaments widely regarded as prestigious, such as the UEFA European Championship and South America’s Copa América.
Richards reinforced this perspective by recalling memorable AFCON moments, notably the intense rivalry between Salah and former Liverpool teammate Sadio Mané when their respective nations, Egypt and Senegal, clashed. “You remember when he and Mané were going for it and—” Richards began, only for Carragher to interrupt with an exasperated “Oh God,” signaling his reluctance to engage further. Richards, however, stood resolute, refusing to let the point drop.
Carragher’s remarks have fueled a long-standing debate about how African football is perceived, particularly in Europe. While AFCON stands as the continent’s most prestigious international tournament, it has often been overshadowed in global discourse by European and South American competitions. Critics argue that this reflects a broader bias within the sport, where achievements in African football are frequently downplayed or dismissed by European pundits and media.
The timing of the controversy adds further weight to the discussion, with AFCON scheduled to take place in late December 2025 or early 2026, depending on final confirmations. As the tournament approaches, Salah and other African stars will once again have the chance to showcase their talents on a major stage, potentially challenging the narrative Carragher’s comments represent.
At the heart of the debate is Mohamed Salah, whose exceptional form this season has made him a focal point of both club and international football. His pivotal role in Liverpool’s win over Manchester City underscored his enduring quality, with the forward’s goal and assist proving decisive. Now third on Liverpool’s all-time scoring chart, Salah’s contributions have fueled speculation about his Ballon d’Or candidacy, even as Carragher’s comments cast doubt on whether his international achievements with Egypt will carry sufficient weight.
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