Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has clarified that he did not mean to disrespect Africa after a comment that seemed to downplay the importance of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

During Sky Sports' post-match analysis of Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Manchester City on February 23, 2025, Carragher suggested that while Mohamed Salah is a top performer for Liverpool, his chances of winning the 2025 Ballon d’Or could be affected by the lack of a major international tournament with his national team, Egypt.

"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.

"Normally, the player who excels in that, like Vini Jr. and Mbappe right now, Real Madrid are looking really good going for the Champions League. Liverpool will be in that conversation, but right now, Los Blancos are certainly the front-runners," he said.

Carragher's comment sparked strong criticism from several African football legends, including Emmanuel Adebayor, Jay-Jay Okocha, and Ahmad Elmohamady, as well as fellow English star Rio Ferdinand.

Speaking on CBS Sports on March 4, 2025, the former Liverpool defender admitted that he had downplayed the importance of AFCON and could have expressed his point more appropriately.

He clarified that he did not mean to undermine the tournament but was highlighting how AFCON might not carry as much weight with Ballon d'Or voters, which could impact Mohamed Salah’s chances of winning the award.

"I don't disrespect a club, a country, a continent, an international tournament, whatever that may be. Where I got it wrong, was I was clumsy with my language in describing AFCON as not a major tournament. I was trying to explain the merits of Mo Salah winning the Ballon d'or.

"And I felt or feel that not just AFCON, I would say, the Asia Games, the Gold Cup, not so much the Copa America. There are five major tournaments out there, besides the World Cup, that are for their continent and obviously major tournaments. But some of them don't resonate with the people who vote for the Ballon d'or.

I've been banging the drum for Mo Salah to become the first African player to win the Ballon d'Or since George Weah in the mid-90s. So, I should have been a lot tidier with my language around that," he explained.