_enhanced-1740397540708-535730650.png&w=1920&q=75)
- Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher faced backlash after seemingly dismissing AFCON as a major tournament during an on-air debate
- The discussion arose while analysing Mohamed Salah’s Ballon d’Or chances following Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Man City
- Carragher suggested Salah’s nationality and lack of major tournament success hinder his Ballon d’Or hopes
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher found himself at the centre of a social media debate after making a controversial remark about the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) during a Sky Sports discussion following Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Manchester City.
The former Liverpool defender was swiftly corrected by Micah Richards and Daniel Sturridge after seemingly downplaying AFCON’s importance while analysing Mohamed Salah’s Ballon d’Or chances.
Liverpool took a huge step toward reclaiming the Premier League title with a commanding win at the Etihad. Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai were on target as Arne Slot’s side extended their lead over Arsenal to 11 points with 11 games remaining.
With Salah’s impressive form this season, 25 goals across all competitions, the Sky Sports panel turned to discussing whether the Egyptian forward had a realistic shot at winning the Ballon d’Or.
Sturridge initially argued that Salah aspired to be the best player in the world, but Carragher suggested that a key factor working against him was his nationality. He claimed that Salah’s chances of winning the award would hinge on either the Champions League or a “major tournament.”
However, his exclusion of AFCON as a major international competition did not sit well with his fellow pundits,
“I think the problem is the fact he's with Egypt, and he's probably not playing in the major tournament as such,” Carragher said.
“Or maybe (he's) got a great chance of winning, I think it’s either the Champions League or a major tournament. Normally, the player who excels in that, like Vinícius Jr. and (Kylian) Mbappé right now… Real Madrid looking really good,” he continued.
His comments quickly drew backlash on social media, with fans criticising him for ignoring AFCON’s prestige.
Richards immediately set the record straight, reminding Carragher that the African tournament is a major competition,
“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 stated.
Carragher then tried to shift the conversation by asking whether Egypt would be in contention to win the World Cup.
Richards held firm, saying,
“No, but AFCON is big, isn’t it? You remember when him (Salah) and Mane were going for it…,” before Carragher responded with an exasperated “Oh God.”
Sturridge then wrapped up the discussion, reinforcing the point,
“It’s a fact. It’s a fact. It’s a fact. If you win the Euros or Copa America, it’s deemed to be big, so the AFCON is on the same level.”
While Salah has never lifted the AFCON trophy, he came close twice, finishing as runner-up with Egypt in 2017 and 2021. The Pharaohs remain the most successful team in AFCON history with seven titles and will aim for an eighth when the tournament returns at the end of 2025 in Morocco.
As Liverpool chase a treble this season, Premier League, Champions League, and Carabao Cup, Salah remains one of the frontrunners for the Ballon d'Or.
Meanwhile, the Egyptian will have another shot at international glory with his country in AFCON 2025, alongside Manchester City’s new signing, Omar Marmoush, who joined Pep Guardiola’s side from Eintracht Frankfurt after a blistering first half of the Bundesliga campaign.
Mohamed Salah: 6 months left to shine at Liverpool before exit?
Previously, TheRadar reported that Mohamed Salah, one of Liverpool’s most celebrated players, admitted that his time at Anfield might end.
The Egyptian forward, whose contract expires in July 2025, is preparing for what he described as his "last six months" at the club, though he remains determined to leave on a high note.
