Jamie Carragher faces backlash after downplaying the significance of Africa’s AFCON, while Micah Richards and Daniel Sturridge defend its importance during a discussion about Mohamed Salah’s Ballon d’Or chances.

A heated debate unfolded in the Sky Sports studio after former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher downplayed the significance of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) while discussing Mohamed Salah’s potential for winning the prestigious Ballon d’Or.

The conversation, which followed Liverpool’s thrilling 2-0 victory over Manchester City, quickly escalated as pundits Micah Richards and Daniel Sturridge corrected Carragher, highlighting the importance of AFCON in the football world.

Carragher, in his usual analytical style, had been discussing the possibility of Salah winning the Ballon d’Or but suggested that his international commitments with Egypt, particularly in the Africa Cup of Nations, were a limiting factor for his chances.

“I think the problem is the fact he’s with Egypt, and he’s probably not playing in the major tournament as such,” Carragher remarked.

His comment, which was intended to focus on Salah’s chances of competing for top individual awards, immediately drew criticism.

Carragher further pointed to the Champions League as a key determinant for winning such awards, referencing players like Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, who are excelling in Europe’s top club competition.

The remark sparked a backlash on social media, with many fans and commentators accusing Carragher of undermining one of the most prestigious international tournaments in football.

Despite Carragher’s attempt to clarify his position by saying that AFCON wasn’t “a major tournament,” former players Micah Richards and Daniel Sturridge were quick to correct him, with Richards emphasizing, “AFCON is a major tournament, just so you know.”

The two pundits reminded Carragher of the value and history of AFCON, with Richards pointing out that the competition holds significant prestige, and Salah’s two runner-up finishes in 2017 and 2021 demonstrate the tournament’s competitive nature.

The Africa Cup of Nations has a storied history and is considered one of the top continental competitions globally, with teams like Egypt, Cameroon, and Nigeria regularly competing for the title.

Egypt, in particular, holds the record for the most AFCON titles, with seven championships.

Salah himself has been instrumental in leading Egypt to the finals, finishing as a runner-up twice in recent years. While Egypt has not claimed the AFCON title during Salah’s tenure, his personal achievements in the competition remain remarkable.

These points were quickly brought to light by both Richards and Sturridge, who argued that AFCON deserves the same respect as the Copa América and the European Championship, which often see players like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo competing for top awards.

Carragher’s comments didn’t sit well with many fans, particularly those who felt that his perspective downplayed the importance of African football.

The backlash on social media was swift, with some fans pointing out that dismissing AFCON in this manner only reinforced stereotypes about African football.

“AFCON is as big as the Euros, and it’s about time people recognized it,” one fan tweeted, reflecting the sentiments of many who were upset by Carragher’s remarks.

In the heat of the debate, Sturridge, who also had a significant impact on the conversation, made it clear that AFCON is as much a “major tournament” as any other continental competition.

He reinforced his point by saying, “If you win the Euros or Copa America, it’s deemed to be big, so AFCON is in the same level.”

His statement resonated with fans who have long considered AFCON to be one of the top international tournaments, alongside Europe’s premier football competitions.

Salah’s role in African football cannot be overstated. The Liverpool talisman has been the standout player for Egypt in recent years, with his performances in AFCON continuing to be a focal point of his international career.

His commitment to Egypt, despite the competitive challenges of AFCON, demonstrates his dedication to representing his country on the continental stage.

With Salah’s goal-scoring prowess and leadership on the field, it’s clear that he holds immense value in the competition.

As the conversation shifted back to Salah’s Ballon d’Or chances, the discussion turned to his current form and his importance to Liverpool.

The 31-year-old forward has been instrumental in Liverpool’s success this season, with the club still in the hunt for multiple trophies, including the Premier League, Champions League, and Carabao Cup.

Salah’s continued brilliance on the pitch, including his key role in their 2-0 victory over Manchester City, positions him as a leading contender for individual honors.

Despite the ongoing debate about his international career, Salah’s club performances have kept him at the forefront of discussions surrounding the best players in the world.

The controversy surrounding Carragher’s comments only underscores the broader conversation about the role of international tournaments in shaping the careers of top footballers.

As players like Salah, Mbappé, and Vinícius Júnior continue to shine in club competitions, the question remains: how much weight should international tournaments like AFCON hold in the eyes of those awarding prestigious individual honors?

The conversation sparked by Carragher’s comments may have been heated, but it has certainly brought attention to the importance of AFCON in the global football landscape.

As Salah continues to break records and lead Egypt, the debate about his role in global football will likely continue to evolve.

His contributions to both Liverpool and Egypt are undeniable, and his pursuit of the Ballon d’Or will remain a focal point of discussions for years to come.

Whether AFCON will ever receive the recognition it deserves in the context of individual awards remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Salah’s impact on the football world will be remembered long after his playing days are over.