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A heated debate has erupted in football circles after former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher made comments downplaying the African Cup of Nations (AFCON), drawing sharp criticism from ex-Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand.
Carragher, speaking in the aftermath of Liverpool’s 2-0 triumph over Manchester City, suggested that Mohamed Salah’s chances of winning the Ballon d’Or are hindered by his nationality. Despite setting the Premier League alight this season, the Egyptian forward has never finished higher than fifth in the race for Europe’s most coveted individual accolade.
“I think the issue is that he plays for Egypt, and he’s probably not competing in what people see as a ‘major’ tournament, or at least one where he has a strong chance of winning,” Carragher said on Sky Sports. “The Ballon d’Or tends to go to players who win either the Champions League or a major international tournament.”
Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards, also on the panel, quickly interjected. “I’ll just say this—AFCON is a major tournament. A lot of people at home will argue that it deserves that recognition. AFCON is a major tournament, just so you know.”
Ferdinand, addressing the controversy on his YouTube channel, condemned Carragher’s remarks. “That comment reflects what a lot of people think, but that doesn’t make it right,” Ferdinand stated. “It’s an ignorant way of looking at it. If you ask legends like Didier Drogba, Abedi Pele, Samuel Eto’o, Riyad Mahrez, Mohamed Salah, or Sadio Mané, they’ll tell you—winning AFCON is everything.”
He added, “I get what Jamie’s trying to say, but I completely disagree. The problem is, this flawed perspective is shared by so many people, and that’s the real issue.”
Carragher wasted no time firing back. On Instagram, he responded bluntly: “I didn’t say that, you clown. Stop playing to the gallery like you always do.” He then doubled down on X, clarifying his stance.
“The point I was making is that Salah is at a disadvantage in the Ballon d’Or race because he plays for Egypt,” he wrote. “If he had an average season at Liverpool but won AFCON and was named MVP, I still don’t think he’d win the Ballon d’Or.”
With Liverpool edging closer to their 20th league title—one that would see them draw level with Manchester United—some have speculated whether Ferdinand’s response was a calculated attempt to provoke his former England teammate.