Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher sparked controversy with his remarks about Mohamed Salah and the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) during a Sky Sports punditry session.
While discussing Salah’s performance in Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Manchester City, Carragher suggested that the Egyptian star’s chances of winning individual awards like the Ballon d’Or might be hindered by not playing in “major tournaments.”
Carragher stated: “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, I think it’s either the Champions League or the major tournament.”
This comment prompted immediate backlash from fellow pundits Micah Richards and Daniel Sturridge, who defended AFCON’s significance. Richards emphasized: “Just to say, AFCON is a major tournament because a lot of people are at home saying ‘they aren’t taking it serious’. AFCON is a big tournament, just so you know.”
Sturridge added: “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 in the same level.”
Social media users quickly criticized Carragher’s perspective. One fan commented: “Carragher saying Afcon isnt a major tournament for Salah to go to is an example of how everything is judged from an Eurocentric view. Youre telling an African than the biggest tournament in his continent is not “major” or worth playing. I don’t get it really, I just don’t get it.”
Another user wrote: “Jamie Carragher dismissing AFCON as a ‘lesser tournament’ is peak ignorance. George Weah literally won the Ballon d’Or without even playing in a World Cup. AFCON is a major competition with elite talent—just because it’s not in Europe doesn’t make it irrelevant. Do better!”
The incident highlights the ongoing debate about the recognition and respect given to African football on the global stage.