While discussing Mohamed Salah’s chances of winning the 2024 Ballon d’Or, Carragher suggested that playing in AFCON puts the Egyptian forward at a disadvantage because the tournament is not a “major competition” on the level of the World Cup, European Championship, or Champions League.
His comments sparked outrage among football fans and African football stakeholders, who viewed them as disrespectful to the tournament.
Carragher Responds to Criticism
Taking to social media, Carragher attempted to clarify his statement:
“The point I was trying to make was that Salah is at a disadvantage playing for Egypt when it comes to the Ballon d’Or. If he had an average season at Liverpool but won AFCON as Player of the Tournament, I don’t think he would win the award. But if Kylian Mbappe had an average season at Real Madrid but won the World Cup or Euros, he would still have a great chance.”
The former England international insisted that his remarks were not meant to disrespect AFCON but rather to point out how different competitions hold varying degrees of influence on the Ballon d’Or race.
“Not a Major Tournament as Such” – A Clumsy Remark?
Carragher acknowledged that his wording was clumsy, but maintained that AFCON does not carry the same weight as other elite international tournaments.
“It’s not controversial, it’s just a fact. Sadio Mane finished second in the Ballon d’Or after winning AFCON, but that alone would not have been enough. Liverpool’s near quadruple also played a major role.”
He concluded by addressing the backlash:
“I get that a lot of people didn’t like what I said, and that’s fine. But it was never about disrespecting AFCON, just an honest opinion on how different competitions influence individual awards.”
What Do You Think?
Do you agree with Carragher’s assessment that AFCON does not have the same impact as the World Cup, Euros, or Champions League in the Ballon d’Or race? Or do you believe African football is undervalued in global football discussions?
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