Jamie Carragher has found himself in hot water after making comments that appeared to downplay the significance of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The former Liverpool defender suggested that Mohamed Salah is at a disadvantage in the Ballon d’Or race because he hasn’t won a “major tournament” at the international level.
His remarks came shortly after Salah played a pivotal role in Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Manchester City, scoring a goal and providing an assist.
The result strengthened Liverpool’s lead over Arsenal in the title race, but the discussion quickly shifted to Salah’s international achievements—or, in Carragher’s view, the lack thereof.
The Ballon d’Or and African Representation
Historically, Ballon d’Or winners have been players who have lifted either the Champions League or a major international trophy such as the European Championship or Copa América.
No African player has won the award since George Weah in 1995, and only a handful have come close, with Sadio Mané finishing as runner-up in 2022.
Carragher’s comments did not sit well with his fellow pundits, as both Daniel Sturridge and Micah Richards called him out live on air.
Richards specifically pointed out that AFCON is indeed a major tournament, pushing back against the idea that it lacks the same prestige as competitions held in Europe.
Richard Keys Joins the Criticism
Former Sky Sports presenter Richard Keys took things a step further, using his blog to launch a scathing attack on Carragher’s remarks.
While he didn’t mention Carragher by name, his words left little doubt about who he was referring to.
“Never mind the Premier League’s best ever—Mo Salah might just be Liverpool’s best ever—despite the fact he’s never played in a big tournament.
Seriously. What ignorance. Unforgivable ignorance,” Keys wrote.
Keys went on to criticize what he called the “arrogance” of UK-based pundits who fail to acknowledge football outside of Europe.
He referenced the skepticism surrounding the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, which he argued turned out to be one of the greatest tournaments in history.
AFCON’s Massive Following and Historical Significance
Keys also highlighted the global audience AFCON attracts, noting that beIN SPORTS had over 100 million viewers from Egypt alone for Salah’s recent showdown against fellow Egyptian players in club football.
He emphasized Egypt’s dominance in AFCON, having won the tournament a record seven times, and pointed out that Salah still has a chance to add it to his list of achievements later this year.
Despite this, Carragher seemed to dismiss AFCON’s importance, questioning whether Egypt would have a realistic shot at winning the World Cup.
Richards immediately countered, reinforcing that AFCON remains a major international competition.
Salah’s Ballon d’Or Chances
Regardless of the debate, Salah remains one of the leading contenders for this year’s Ballon d’Or.
He currently holds the highest goal tally in Europe’s top leagues with 25 league goals, along with five more in other competitions and 21 assists across all tournaments.
With Liverpool aiming for silverware on multiple fronts, Salah’s case for football’s top individual honor remains strong.
However, the controversy surrounding how AFCON is perceived will likely persist, especially as the tournament returns at the end of the year.
What’s Next for AFCON and Salah?
The Africa Cup of Nations will be hosted by Morocco for the second time, with Egypt entering as one of the favorites.
Salah will lead his national team once again, hoping to finally lift the trophy and cement his legacy.
He’ll be joined by his Manchester City counterpart, Omar Marmoush, who recently moved to the Premier League after impressing in the Bundesliga with Eintracht Frankfurt.
As the debate around AFCON’s status continues, one thing is certain—African football will remain in the spotlight, whether Carragher acknowledges it or not.
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