The football world is currently in a shambolic state after former English player and football analyst Jamie Carragher took to international television to undermine the AFCON tournament by saying that it is not as major as its European and American counterparts.
When indulging in a conversation regarding Liverpool’s Mo Salah and his contention towards securing the highly-rated Ballon Dor Award, which is given to the player that is deemed to have pulled off the best individual performance throughout the previous season.
According to Jamie, playing for his country of birth in Egypt places the Liverpool’s right-winger at a disadvantage as he deems tournaments such as the AFCON to not be as major as the World Cup, European Championship or Copa America.
“Salah is at a disadvantage playing for Egypt in terms of him winning the Ballon d’Or” because “I don’t think AFCON carries the weight of other tournaments” and “it’s not disrespectful if I feel the (World Cup, European Championship and Copa America) are better tournaments it’s just my opinion when I watch them,” Jamie said.
Jamie Carragher: “Salah is from Egypt and therefore not able to win a major competition which may stop him from winning ballon d’or”
Micah Richards: “AFCON is a major competition”
Carragher: “Seriously ?”
Sky Sports have removed this part on YouTube. pic.twitter.com/7Z75Wcaph8
— Mr. Nigerian Football (@AJSilverCFC) February 24, 2025
Taking to his social media, the analyst doubled down on his stance and revealed that he still stands by what he said, although revealing that he meant no disrespect to the AFCON tournament.
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.— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) February 24, 2025
As expected, Jamie’s utterances did not sit well with African citizens, as they expressed that it is because of a mentality similar to Jamie’s that the AFCON has become one of the most disrespected and undermined soccer tournaments in the world, despite delivering world-class showings year in and year out.
In a matter of days, this conversation has crossed the oceans and reached different nooks and crannies as more and more people reveal their disappointment and anger towards the former England star. Notable figures such as Rio Ferdinand, Ahmed Hassan, Adlène Guedioura and the official CAF social media team have come out to oppose Jamie’s opinion, and have stamped AFCON as the major tournament.
Major Tournament. ?
That’s the tweet. #TotalEnergiesAFCON pic.twitter.com/oAU1kc7IVL
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) February 24, 2025
Joining in on this, citizens from across the continent have called Jamie as well as the rest of the Western world out for their continuous disregarding of African football. These users have labelled this mentality and opinion as racist and have called for a change.
Jamie Carragher is aware it’s a major tournament, he’s just racist. https://t.co/OBXJ2vTRrv
— ?Lobo Solitario ?? (@NAKEDI_NKD) February 24, 2025
Ex-Algerian international Adlène Guedioura responds to Jamie Carragher’s recent comments ??
‘You never lived this…’ while sharing images of Algeria’s nationwide celebrations after their 2019 AFCON triumph ??? pic.twitter.com/DzsZ8DVSFa
— ESPN Africa (@ESPNAfrica) February 25, 2025
Some users have taken the time to share some of their favourite moments and memories from some of the previous tournaments that were hosted. 2024’s showing appeared to be a fan favourite as many reminisced about the many passionate and emotional moments that united and divided the African continent.
Nahh Jamie Carragher is insane. Hating on the AFCON because he’s never experienced such a thrill as this.
I’ll never forget this night. 300 Million people across the world home and abroad jumping and screaming.
Major competition. Major celebration ? pic.twitter.com/GL8Ufd1THH
— Mr. Nigerian Football (@AJSilverCFC) February 25, 2025
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