Anfield, England — Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has acknowledged missteps in his recent comments about the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), clarifying his stance after backlash from fans and football stakeholders.
Carragher, 47, had previously downplayed AFCON’s significance compared to other major international tournaments, sparking widespread criticism.
Speaking on CBS Sports Golazo’s UEFA Champions League show, Carragher expressed regret over how his words were interpreted.
“I love debates, but I never want to be seen as ignorant or disrespectful. That was never my intention, whether about a team, a player, a continent, or a tournament,” he stated.
Carragher admitted that his wording was “clumsy”, particularly in describing AFCON as not a major tournament. He explained that his initial remarks were meant to highlight the challenges Mohamed Salah faces in winning the Ballon d’Or, rather than to diminish AFCON.
“I wasn’t just talking about AFCON, but also the Asian Cup and the Gold Cup. There are five major continental tournaments besides the World Cup,” he explained.
“However, some of them don’t resonate with Ballon d’Or voters. That’s not an opinion, it’s a fact. If you look at the winners over the last 40-50 years, there’s a clear trend.”
Carragher reiterated his support for Mohamed Salah, expressing his desire to see an African player win the Ballon d’Or for the first time since George Weah in the mid-1990s.
“I should have been more precise in my language. The reality is that the *Euros* hold more influence over those who vote for the award, journalists, national coaches, and captains,” he noted.
He also pointed to the Ballon d’Or’s history, emphasizing that it was originally reserved for European players, which may have contributed to a lingering bias in favor of European football.
“It was never my aim to offend anyone,” Carragher concluded, acknowledging the importance of AFCON and its role in world football.
By Taiwo Olatinwo | March 5, 2025
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