Former Liverpool and England defender Jamie Carragher has come under criticism for dismissing the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as a major international tournament while discussing Mohamed Salah’s Ballon d’Or chances on Sky Sports.
Carragher made the remarks after Salah inspired Liverpool to a 2-0 victory over Manchester City at the Etihad, scoring and assisting to push the Reds 11 points clear at the top of the Premier League.
With the Egyptian forward enjoying a stellar season—25 goals and 16 assists in the league alone—there was debate over whether he deserves to win the Ballon d’Or.
However, Carragher suggested that Salah’s nationality might be a disadvantage in the race for football’s top individual award, stating that he does not play in “major international tournaments.”
“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 on Sky Sports.
His comments were quickly challenged by former England defender Micah Richards, who emphasized that AFCON is a major competition, saying: “AFCON is a major tournament, just so you know.”
Carragher downplayed the point, responding, “Egypt are not going to win the World Cup, are they?”
Richards insisted that AFCON is a prestigious continental competition, comparing it to the Euros and Copa América, while former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge echoed the sentiment.
The exchange sparked backlash online, with many football fans calling Carragher’s remarks “flippant” and “disrespectful” to African football.
One viral post on X (formerly Twitter) stated, “Jamie Carragher flippantly disregarding AFCON as a major tournament on Sky Sports tonight. Incredibly disappointing.”
For Ugandan fans, the comments come at a time when the Cranes are set to return to AFCON in 2025 in Morocco and will co-host the 2027 edition alongside Kenya and Tanzania.
The tournament has long been a showcase for African footballing talent, with past winners like George Weah, Samuel Eto’o, and Riyad Mahrez making their mark internationally.
Ivory Coast are the current AFCON champions, having won the 2023 edition on home soil after defeating Nigeria 2-1 in the final.
Carragher has yet to respond to the criticism, but his remarks have reignited the debate over the global recognition of African football.
