Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has defied calls for him to apologize for supposedly disrespecting the Africa Cup of Nations tournament and, by extension, the entire African continent with his comments on Sky Sports in the aftermath of Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Manchester City on Sunday, February 23, 2025.
In a social media post on Monday, February 24, 2025, Carragher, against expectations, doubled down on his attacks on the AFCON, offering some mundane justification for his earlier comments on Sky Sports.
Carragher maintains that Salah’s chances of being crowned the best player in the world are significantly impacted by his international career, which has Egypt playing in the AFCON.
He insists that Salah’s chances would have been further enhanced if Egypt played in the European Championship or Copa America.
“Salah/AFCON/Ballon d’Or!
The point I was trying to make yesterday was that Mo Salah is at a disadvantage playing for Egypt in terms of him 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 carries the weight of other tournaments. But if Mbappe had an average season at Real Madrid but won the World Cup/Euros, he would still have a great opportunity,” parts of the statement read.
Carragher’s response has further fueled the attack on him, as some believe that his views stem from a position of racism.
Others, including former Egyptian player Ahmed Elmohamady, sarcastically posit that Carragher does not recognize the weight of the AFCON because he never won a huge tournament in his career.
Because I don’t think AFCON carries the weight of other tournaments.
But if Mbappe had an average season at Real Madrid but won the World Cup/Euros he would still have a great opportunity.— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) February 24, 2025
Meanwhile watch this explainer on the dismissal of the No. 12 corruption case after Anas refused to testify without mask
EK