The former defender of Manchester United, Rio Ferdinand, criticized Jamie Carragher for comments that seemed to minimize the African Cup of Nations (Afcon) as a major tournament, calling them “ignorant”.
The controversy occurred after the Liverpool 2-0 victory over Manchester City on Sunday. During the post-match discussion, Carragher suggested that Mohamed Salah’s chances of winning the Ballon d’Or were hampered by the fact that he represents Egypt rather than by a European power.
Salah was in a sensational form, scoring 25 goals in 27 appearances and cementing his place as the sixth top scorer in the history of the Premier League. Despite his achievements, he never placed higher than fifth in the Golden Ball classification.
“I think the problem is the fact that he is with Egypt, and he probably does not play in the major tournament as such or perhaps had a great chance to win,” said Carragher on Sky Sports.
“I think it’s either the Champions League, or the major tournament [that wins the Ballon d’Or]. “”
His co-plainist Macah Richards quickly challenged the remark, reply: “I’m just going to say that Facs is a major tournament. Many people at home will say they take this seriously. Afcon is a major tournament, just so that you know it.
Rio Ferdinand then discussed Carragher’s comments on his YouTube channel, echoing the position of Richards and calling the way in which Afcon is often perceived.
Salah / Afcon / Balon d’Or!
The point that I was trying to assert yesterday is that Mo Salah is disadvantaged to play for Egypt in terms of winning the Balon d’Or.
If Salah had an average season at LFC but won the Afcon and was MVP, I don’t think he would win the Balon d’Or.– Jamie Carragher (@ carra23) February 24, 2025
“This comment [Carragher’s] is representative of the majority of people there, ”said Ferdinand. “The majority of people would say that. I don’t think it’s true, I think it’s an ignorant thought process because the [Africa Cup of Nations] … If you go to Didier Drogba, Abedi Pelé, Samuel Eto’o, Riyad Mahrez, Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, they will tell you that we have to win this.
“I understand what Jamie says, but I don’t agree with that. But I understand that it is the fault of the majority and it is not true. »»
Carragher quickly retaliated to Ferdinand, going to social networks to refute his claims.
Responding to Ferdinand’s post on Instagram, he wrote: “”I didn’t say you clown, stop playing the gallery as you always do.
Later, in a separate article on X, Carragher clarified his position.
“The point that I was trying to assert yesterday is that Mo Salah is disadvantaged to play for Egypt in terms of winning the Ballon d’Or. If Salah had an average season at LFC but won the Afcon and was MVP, I don’t think he would win the Ballon d’Or.
“Because I don’t think Afcon has the weight of other tournaments. But if Mbappe had an average season in Real Madrid but won the World Cup / euros, he would always have an excellent opportunity. It is not disrespectful if I think the WC / euros / CP are better tournaments, it’s just my opinion when I look at them. “”
He also recognized that his wording could have been better.
“To say that it was not a major competition was clumsy, but I think most of the people who were watching could understand the point I was trying to do.”
