The former defender of Manchester United, Rio Ferdinand, criticized Jamie Carragher for comments who downplay the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as a big tournament and described them as “ignorant”.
The controversy appeared after the 2-0 victory in Liverpool against Manchester City on Sunday. During the discussion after the game, Carragher suggested that Mohamed Salah’s chances of winning the balloon d’Or, the fact that he was to represent Egypt and not a European power pack.
Salah was in a sensational form, scored 25 goals in 27 games and consolidated his place as the sixth highest scorer in the history of the Premier League. Despite his success, he has never taken fifth place in the Ballon D’Orranglisten.
“I think Sky Sport.
“I think it’s either the Champions League or the big tournament (who wins the balloon d’Or).”
His co-panelist Micah Richards quickly challenged the remark and replied: “I will only say that Afcon is a big tournament. Many people at home will say that they take it seriously. Afcon is a big tournament just so that you know. “
Rio Ferdinand later appealed to Carragher’s comments on his YouTube channel, repeated Richards’ attitude and called the way AFCON is often perceived.
Wrong/Afcon/Ballon d’Or!
The point that I tried to make yesterday was that Mo Salah plays the disadvantage for Egypt because he wins the Balon d’Or.
If Salah had an average season at LFC, but the AFCON won and MVP was, I don’t think he would win the Balon d’Or.– Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) February 24, 2025
“This comment (Carragher’s) is representative of the majority of people out there,” said Ferdinand. “The majority of people out there would say that. I don’t think you have to win that.
“I understand what Jamie says, but I don’t agree with that. But I understand that this is the fault of the majority and it is not correct. “
Carragher quickly struck Ferdinand and took on social media to refute his claims.
He replied to Ferdinand’s contribution on Instagram, he wrote: “I didn’t say that you clown, stop playing in the gallery as you always do. “
Later, in a separate contribution to X, Carragher continued his position.
“The point I tried to take yesterday was that Mo Salah was disadvantageous for Egypt when he wins the balloon. If Salah had an average season at LFC, but the AFCON won and was MVP, I don’t think he would win the balloon.
“Because I don’t think Afcon is wearing the weight of other tournaments. But if Mbappe had an average season at Real Madrid, but won the World Cup/euro, he still had a great opportunity. It is not disrespectful if I have the feeling that toilet/euro/CP are better tournaments. It is only my opinion when I watch her. “
He also admitted that his wording could have been better.
“It was awkward that it was not a big competition, but I think most people could understand the point I tried to do.”
