Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has admitted he was “clumsy” in his comments about the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), acknowledging that he “got it wrong” after facing widespread criticism.
Carragher sparked controversy when he suggested that AFCON was not a “major tournament” while discussing Mohamed Salah’s chances of winning the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
The former Liverpool defender argued that Salah’s bid for the prestigious award could be hindered because he was “not playing in a major tournament,” despite his standout performances for Liverpool in their pursuit of the Premier League, Champions League, and Carabao Cup.
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His remarks were met with backlash, with many pointing out that AFCON is Africa’s premier football competition, boasting a rich history and global significance.
Carragher Clarifies His Stance On AFCON Remarks
Addressing the criticism during a broadcast following Tuesday’s Champions League action, Carragher clarified his stance and admitted his mistake.
“Where I got it wrong was, I was clumsy in describing AFCON as not a major tournament. I was trying to explain the merits of Mo Salah winning the Ballon d’Or,” Carragher said.
He further elaborated that his comments were meant to highlight how certain international tournaments—outside of the World Cup and the UEFA European Championship—have historically not carried as much weight in Ballon d’Or voting.
Ballon d’Or Bias Towards European Tournaments
Carragher explained that tournaments like the Asian Cup, Gold Cup, and even AFCON have not traditionally resonated as much with Ballon d’Or voters.
“That’s not an opinion, that’s a fact based on who has won the award over the past 40 or 50 years,” he stated.
He also acknowledged the historical European bias in the Ballon d’Or voting system, noting that the award was first created as the European Footballer of the Year before expanding its scope.
Backing Salah for Ballon d’Or
Carragher reiterated his support for Salah to win the Ballon d’Or, stressing that he should have chosen his words more carefully.
“Yes, I’ve been pushing for Mo Salah to become the first African player to win the Ballon d’Or since George Weah in the mid-’90s. But I should have been much more careful with my language. That’s something I’ll reflect on,” he added.
Salah’s Strong Case for 2025 Ballon d’Or
Salah remains a strong contender for the 2025 Ballon d’Or. The Egyptian forward’s exceptional form for Liverpool keeps him in the conversation for world football’s most prestigious individual accolade.
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