Jamie Carragher Issues Clarification on AFCON Controversy While Taking a Jab at Rio Ferdinand for His Reaction
Jamie Carragher and controversy are constant companions, the former Liverpool defender has sparked a row over his opinions during his television appearances as a football expert. Recently, he has been again facing heat after his remarks that apparently undermined the credibility of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), and Rio Ferdinand also objected to Carragher’s views on the tournament.
On Sunday, The Egypt International Mohamed Salah was on blaze provided an assist and scored a goal to gift Liverpool a commanding 2-0 victory over Manchester City to solidify their position in the Premier League title race, sitting at first position with an 11-point lead over Arsenal. Salah is one of the favourites in contention to lift the coveted French accolade for the Best Player of the Year recognition, occupying the foremost spot in the 2025 Ballon d’Or Power Rankings.
Post-match, Sky Sports panel showered praise on the 32-year-old winger while discussing Salah’s chances of winning the Ballon d’Or as this might be his year to claim the award with his already remarkable 2024/25 campaign. When the ex-Liverpool defender attempted to explain why the African superstar has never won the France football recognition and, even pointed out Salah’s involvement in the 2025 AFCON with Egypt might not not be in his best interest to claim Ballon d’Or.
Carragher stated on Sky Sports, “The fact he’s playing with Egypt and he’s not playing in the major tournaments as such, or maybe he hasn’t got a great chance of winning one…I think it’s either the Champions League or the major tournament – normally, the player who excels in that (wins the Ballon d’Or).”
Consequently, he has been receiving significant backlash from fans and former rivals such as Rio Ferdinand who also called out Carragher for his bold assertion and downplaying Africa’s most prestigious international tournament.
“I think [what he said] is representative of most of the people out there, But I don’t think that’s right. It’s an ignorant thought process. If you go to Didier Drogba, Abedi Pele, Samuel Eto, Riyad Mahrez, Mo Salah or Sadio Mane, they’ll tell you ‘We have to win this’ – there’s demand in their country to win this. Yes, it doesn’t get backed resources-wise like the Euros but that doesn’t mean you have to devalue it. It should be respected more than it is.” Ferdinand stated on his podcast.
The 47-year-old responded by commenting, “I didn’t say that you clown, stop playing to the gallery like you always do.” on Rio Ferdinand’s posted clip on Instagram. In response, Rio Ferdinand also fired a shot writing, “You’ve had a bad couple of weeks… [Myles] Lewis Skelly & Pep [Guardiola]….” as a befitting reply. This is for the first time, these two English football Pundits have clashed Publicly on Social Media.
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Carragher issued a clarification on Social Media Amid Wave of Criticism
As Jamie Carraher founds himself as the centre of criticism, the 47-year-old has taken his social media handle to post a clarification over his earlier remark that undermined the importance of AFCON and its relevance.
He wrote on his X account, “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 Balon d’Or. If Salah had an average season at LFC but won the AFCON & was MVP I don’t think he would win the Balon 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.”
Carragher further justified himself, “It’s not just about certain tournaments, Shevchenko (Ukraine), and Lewandowski (Poland) were never going to win the WC/Euros to help their case for the prize. I don’t think it’s controversial at all really it’s just a fact. I know Mane came 2nd a few years back after winning the tournament but that alone wouldn’t have got him to that position, it was LFC being two games away from a quadruple that played a big role also.”
“It’s not disrespectful if I feel the WC/Euros/CP are better tournaments it’s just my opinion when I watch them. Saying it wasn’t a major competition was clumsy but I think most people watching could understand the point I was trying to make” he added while he admitted his choice of words to label AFCON not a major competition was inept.
“The face I pulled when Micah interjected was nothing to do with the merits of the tournament, I just knew as soon as he did what the reaction was going to be! I get a lot people didn’t like what I said & that’s fine.”
The Liverpool icon wrapped up his tweet, saying, “I don’t normally respond to things on here with posts like this but, I decided to tweet in the end after seeing so many phoneys jumping on the bandwagon & playing to the gallery when they knew what I meant 🥴, Good luck MO you little dancer🤞🏻😎”