L-R Roy Keane, Daniel Sturridge, Micah Richards, and Jamie Carragher
Micah Richards and Daniel Sturridge put Jamie Carragher in check after he appeared to downplay the significance of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The duo schooled the former Liverpool defender during a discussion on Mohamed Salah’s chances of winning the 2025 Ballon d’Or on Sky Sports.
Carragher suggested that while Salah excels with Liverpool, the absence of a major tournament for his national team could hinder his chances of winning the prestigious award.
He argued that Real Madrid duo Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Jr. have a stronger case due to their participation in the UEFA European Championship and Copa América, seemingly overlooking AFCON.
“I think the problem is that he [Salah] is with Egypt, and he’s probably not playing in a major tournament, or maybe doesn’t have a great chance of winning. I think it’s either the Champions League or a major tournament,” Carragher said.
“Normally, the player who excels in that -like Vini Jr. and Mbappé right now—Real Madrid are looking really good for the Champions League. Liverpool will be in that conversation, but right now, Los Blancos are certainly the front-runners.”
Richards quickly enlightened him, stating AFCON’s status: “Just to say, AFCON is a major tournament. A lot of people don’t take it seriously, but AFCON is a big tournament.”
Carragher, still unconvinced, questioned: “But Egypt are not going to the World Cup, are they?”
Richards stressed: “AFCON is big. Remember when Salah and Mané were competing for it?”
Carragher, seemingly still in disbelief, responded: “Oh my God.”
Sturridge then backed Richards, providing further context on why AFCON holds equal weight to other continental competitions.
“It’s a fact. If you win the Euros or Copa América, it’s deemed big, so AFCON is on the same level.”
Many football fans have descended on Jamie Carragher following his assertion with many labelling him as a ‘racist’ while accusing him of being a Salah hater.
Meanwhile, others have lauded Richards and Sturridge for preventing Carragher from downplaying Africa’s flagship tournament.
Watch the video below
Jamie Carragher flippantly disregarding AFCON being a major tournament on Sky Sports tonight. pic.twitter.com/FI2CAFGa5B
— Leo Haider (@leohaider7) February 23, 2025
EE/EK
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