Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has landed himself in hot water after dismissing the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as “not a major tournament” during a Sky Sports post-match analysis.
His comments came after Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Manchester City on February 23, 2025, when he suggested that Mohamed Salah’s Ballon d’Or chances were slim because Egypt hasn’t won a “major” international trophy.
Carragher’s Controversial Take
Carragher argued that Salah’s failure to win an international tournament with Egypt could hold him back from claiming football’s most prestigious individual award.
He compared the Liverpool star to Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Jr., who he believes have stronger Ballon d’Or cases because they compete in the UEFA European Championship and Copa América.
“I think the problem is that he [Salah] is with Egypt, and he’s probably not playing in a major tournament or doesn’t have a great chance of winning. I think it’s either the Champions League or a major tournament,” Carragher said.
He went on to suggest that Real Madrid players have the upper hand, saying, “Normally, the player who excels in that, like Vinícius and Mbappé now, is Madrid, really good going for the Champions League. Liverpool will be in that conversation, but right now, Los Blancos are certainly the front-runners.”
Jamie Carragher flippantly disregarding AFCON being a major tournament on Sky Sports tonight. pic.twitter.com/FI2CAFGa5B
— Leo Haider (@leohaider7) February 23, 2025
Immediate Backlash from Pundits
Carragher’s remarks didn’t sit well with fellow pundits Daniel Sturridge and Micah Richards, who immediately defended AFCON’s status.
Richards was quick to shut down the claim, saying, “Just to say, AFCON is a major tournament. A lot of people think it’s not taken seriously, but AFCON is a big competition.”
AFCON, which has been around since 1957, is one of international football’s most respected tournaments, producing some of the sport’s biggest stars. Many believe it deserves the same recognition as the Euros and Copa América.
AFCON’s Importance in Global Football
Carragher’s comments have reignited a long-standing debate about the perception of African football on the global stage. Fans and analysts argue that AFCON deserves equal respect, as it showcases elite talent and fierce competition.
While Salah has been a dominant force in the Premier League and Champions League, some critics believe his lack of international silverware with Egypt could hurt his Ballon d’Or chances.
Still, the Egyptian forward remains one of the best players in the world, and his impact on football speaks louder than any individual trophy.
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