Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has admitted he was “clumsy” in his remarks about the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and acknowledged that he “got it wrong” after facing widespread backlash.
Carragher stirred controversy when he suggested that AFCON was not a “major tournament” while discussing Mohamed Salah’s chances of winning the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
During the discussion, the former Liverpool defender implied that Salah’s Ballon d’Or hopes might be affected because he was “not playing in a major tournament,” despite his stellar performances for Liverpool in their pursuit of multiple trophies, including the Premier League, Champions League, and Carabao Cup.
His statement drew criticism from fans and analysts who pointed out AFCON’s significance as Africa’s premier football competition, boasting a rich history and global recognition.
Addressing the controversy during a Champions League broadcast on Tuesday, Carragher clarified his stance and admitted his choice of words was poor.
“I was clumsy in describing AFCON as not a major tournament. That’s where I got it wrong. I was simply trying to explain Salah’s chances of winning the Ballon d’Or,” he said.
He elaborated that his point was meant to highlight how, historically, some international tournaments outside the World Cup and UEFA European Championship have not carried as much influence in Ballon d’Or voting.
Carragher explained that tournaments like the Asian Cup, CONCACAF Gold Cup, and even AFCON have not traditionally had the same weight in determining Ballon d’Or winners.
“That’s not just an opinion; it’s based on historical data of who has won the award over the last 40 or 50 years,” he added.
He also touched on the European bias in the Ballon d’Or voting system, noting that the award was originally introduced as the European Footballer of the Year before its expansion.
Carragher reaffirmed his belief that Salah deserves Ballon d’Or recognition and admitted he should have chosen his words more carefully.
“I’ve long advocated for Mo Salah to become the first African player to win the Ballon d’Or since George Weah in the mid-’90s. But I should have been more careful with my language, and I’ll reflect on that,” he concluded.
Despite the controversy, Salah remains a strong contender for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, with his outstanding performances for Liverpool keeping him in the conversation for the prestigious individual award.
