Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has come under fire after dismissing the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as “not a major tournament” while discussing Mohamed Salah’s chances of winning the Ballon d’Or this year.
Speaking on Sky Sports following Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Manchester City on Sunday, Carragher suggested that Salah’s nationality and Egypt’s international record could hurt his chances of claiming football’s most prestigious individual award.
“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 excels in that, like Vini Jr. and (Kylian) Mbappe right now, Real Madrid looking really good going for the Champions League.”
His remarks immediately sparked backlash, with Sky Sports pundit and former Manchester City defender Micah Richards pushing back.
“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, doubled down by questioning whether Egypt would be contenders for the World Cup, implying that only the biggest global tournaments influence Ballon d’Or voting.
Former England and Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge also challenged Carragher’s argument. “It’s a fact,” Sturridge insisted. “If you win the Euros or Copa America, it’s deemed to be big, so the AFCON is at the same level.”
As Carragher attempted to move on, Richards pressed further, reminding him of previous AFCON battles involving Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané.
“You remember when he and Mané were going for it and—” Richards began before Carragher interjected with an exasperated, “Oh God.”
Richards’ firm response comes amid ongoing criticism of European football’s tendency to downplay African competitions, despite AFCON’s status as the continent’s premier international tournament.
Carragher’s comments have reignited debates about the global perception of African football.
With AFCON set to take center stage early next year and late December 2025, discussions around its global standing are unlikely to fade anytime soon.
