Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has criticised Jamie Carragher for comments that appeared to downplay the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as a major tournament, calling them “ignorant.”
The controversy arose following Liverpool’s 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 hindered by the fact that he represents Egypt rather than a European powerhouse.
Salah has been in sensational form, scoring 25 goals in 27 appearances and cementing his place as the sixth-highest goal scorer in Premier League history. Despite his achievements, he has never placed higher than fifth in the Ballon d’Or rankings.
“I think the problem is the fact he’s with Egypt, and he’s probably not playing in the major tournament as such or maybe got a great chance of winning,” Carragher said on Sky Sports.
“I think it’s either the Champions League or the major tournament [that wins the Ballon d’Or].”
His co-panelist Micah Richards was quick to challenge the remark, responding: “I’ll just say, AFCON is a major tournament. A lot of people at home will say they’re taking that seriously. AFCON is a major tournament, just so you know.”
Rio Ferdinand later addressed Carragher’s comments on his YouTube channel, echoing Richards’ stance and calling out the way AFCON is often perceived.
Salah/AFCON/Balon 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 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.— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) February 24, 2025
“That 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 that’s right, I think that’s an ignorant thought process because the [Africa Cup of Nations] … If you go to Didier Drogba, Abedi Pele, Samuel Eto’o, Riyad Mahrez, Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane they will tell you we have to win this.
“I understand what Jamie is saying but I don’t agree with it. But I understand that is the majority’s fault and it’s not right.”
Carragher quickly hit back at Ferdinand, taking to social media to refute his claims.
Responding to Ferdinand’s post on Instagram, he wrote: “I didn’t say that you clown, stop playing to the gallery like you always do.”
Later, in a separate post on X, Carragher clarified his position further.
“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 & 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. It’s not disrespectful if I feel the WC/Euros/CP are better tournaments it’s just my opinion when I watch them.”
He also acknowledged that his wording could have been better.
“Saying it wasn’t a major competition was clumsy but I think most people watching could understand the point I was trying to make.”