Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand criticized Jamie Carragher for comments that appeared to downgrade the African Nations Cup (AFCon) as a big tournament, calling them “ignorance”.
The controversy came after Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Manchester City on Sunday. During the post -match debate, Carragher suggested that Mohamed Salah’s chances of winning the Ballon d’Or were hampered by the fact that it represents Egypt rather than the European power.
Salah was in an impressive form, scoring 25 goals in 27 appearances and cement as the sixth highest scorer in the Premier League history. Despite his achievements, he has never placed higher than the fifth in the Ballon d’Or Rankings.
“I think the problem is the fact that it is with Egypt and probably not playing in the biggest tournament as such or maybe it has a great opportunity to win,” Carragher said Sky Sports.
“I think it’s either the Champions League or the biggest tournament (winning the Ballon d’Or).”
Micah Richards’ conelist was quick to challenge the observation, answering: “I will simply say, AFCON is an important tournament. Many people at home will say they take it seriously. AFCON is an important tournament, just so you know. ”
Rio Ferdinand later addressed Carragher’s comments on his YouTube channel, reflecting Richards’ attitude and calling AFCon often perceived.
Wrong/afcon/balloon d’Or!
The point I was trying to do yesterday was that Mo Salah is at a disadvantaged position for Egypt in terms of winning the Balon d’Or.
If Salah had an average season on the LFC, but won the AFCON & was MVP, I don’t think it will win the Balon d’Or.– Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) 24 February 2025
“This comment (Carragher’s) is representative of the majority of people out there,” Ferdinand said. “The majority of people out there would say that. I don’t think it’s right, I think it’s a wild thought process because (the Cup of the Nations of Africa) … If you go to Didier Drogba, Abedi Pele, Samuel Eto’o , Riyad Mahrez, Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane will say that they will say they will say we must win That.
“I understand what Jamie says, but I don’t agree with it. But I understand that this is the mistake of the majority and is not right. ”
Carragher quickly struck back to Ferdinand, taking the social media to refute his claims.
In response to Ferdinand’s post on Instagram, he wrote: ‘I didn’t say clown, stop playing in the gallery as always. ”
Later, in a special position in X, Carragher further explained his position.
“The point I was trying to do yesterday was that Mo Salah is at a disadvantage playing for Egypt in terms of winning the Ballon D’Or. If Salah had a middle season in LFC but won afcon & was MVP, I don’t think it will win the Ballon d’Or.
“Because I don’t think AFCON carries the weight of other tournaments. But if Mbappe had an average season in Real Madrid, but won the World Cup/euro, it would still have a great opportunity. It’s not disrespectful if I feel that WC/Euros /Cp is better tournament is just my opinion when I watch them. “
He also acknowledged that his wording could be better.
“Saying that it was not an important competition it was clumsy, but I think most people were watching could understand the point I was trying to do.”
