The debate surrounding the prestige of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has taken another heated turn, with Jamie Carragher and Rio Ferdinand engaging in a public spat.
It all started when Carragher made comments that appeared to downplay AFCON’s significance, sparking widespread backlash.
Now, Ferdinand has weighed in, and the exchange has escalated into a social media feud.
Carragher’s Controversial Take on AFCON
During a Sky Sports segment after Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Manchester City, Carragher, 47, questioned whether Mohamed Salah’s participation in AFCON impacted his chances of being named the best player in the world.
His remarks quickly drew criticism, with many accusing him of belittling the importance of Africa’s biggest football tournament.
Ferdinand Pushes Back, Calls for More Respect
On his podcast, former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand addressed Carragher’s comments, arguing that they reflect a widespread but misguided view.
He called on FIFA to elevate AFCON to the same level of prestige as the European Championship and Copa America.
“I think what he said represents what a lot of people out there believe, but that doesn’t make it right,” Ferdinand stated.
“It’s an ignorant mindset. If you ask players like Didier Drogba, Abedi Pele, Samuel Eto’o, Riyad Mahrez, Mo Salah, or Sadio Mane, they’ll all tell you how much winning AFCON means to their countries. It’s a massive achievement.”
While acknowledging that AFCON doesn’t receive the same financial and structural backing as the Euros, Ferdinand insisted that this shouldn’t diminish its value.
“Just because it isn’t supported the same way doesn’t mean it should be devalued. It deserves more respect.”
Salah’s Quest for Glory and Ballon d’Or Consideration
Salah, now 32, has come close to winning AFCON twice, reaching the finals in both 2017 and 2021.
This year, he remains a frontrunner for the Ballon d’Or, leading Liverpool through a potentially historic season where they are in contention for multiple major trophies.
Ferdinand acknowledged Carragher’s point that winning AFCON might not influence Ballon d’Or voting, but he argued that this is a flaw in the system.
“If Salah wins AFCON, it should matter in the Ballon d’Or discussion, but right now, it doesn’t—and that’s completely wrong.”
Carragher Fires Back on Social Media
Carragher, however, didn’t take kindly to Ferdinand’s remarks.
Responding to an Instagram post discussing the topic, the former Liverpool defender lashed out at his longtime rival.
“I didn’t say that, you clown,” Carragher wrote. “Stop playing to the gallery like you always do.”
The exchange highlighted the ongoing divide in opinions over AFCON’s status in global football, with Carragher seemingly frustrated by the way his words were interpreted.
Richard Keys Joins the Criticism
Adding to the backlash, former Sky Sports presenter Richard Keys took a swipe at Carragher in his blog.
While he didn’t mention him by name, Keys made it clear that he was referring to the controversy.
“Never mind being the Premier League’s best—Mo Salah might just be Liverpool’s best ever,” Keys wrote.
“Yet some still say he’s never played in a big tournament. Seriously? That’s pure ignorance. Unforgivable ignorance.”
Keys criticized the insular mindset of some British pundits, arguing that they tend to dismiss anything outside of Europe.
He even drew comparisons to the skepticism surrounding the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, which he claimed turned out to be one of the best tournaments ever.
What’s Next?
With emotions running high, it remains to be seen whether Carragher will further clarify his stance or if the feud will continue to play out in the public eye.
One thing is certain—AFCON’s status as a major international tournament is a debate that isn’t going away anytime soon.