Ferdinand Slams Carragher’s ‘Ignorant’ AFCON Dig After Salah Debate

Rio Ferdinand’s fired back at Jamie Carragher, branding his take on the Africa Cup of Nations as “ignorant” after the pundit downplayed its clout in Mohamed Salah’s Ballon d’Or hunt. The spat kicked off post-Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Manchester City on Sunday, when Carragher suggested Salah’s Egypt gig holds him back. Ferdinand’s not having it—and Carragher’s not backing down.

On Sky Sports, Carragher sparked it: “I think the problem is the fact he’s with Egypt, and he’s probably not playing in the major tournament as such or maybe got a great chance of winning. I think it’s either the Champions League or the major tournament [that wins the Ballon d’Or].” Micah Richards cut in quick: “I’ll just say, AFCON is a major tournament. A lot of people at home will say they’re taking that seriously. AFCON is a major tournament, just so you know.” Salah’s 25 goals in 27 games this season—third all-time in Premier League scoring—still haven’t cracked him past fifth in Ballon d’Or ranks.

Ferdinand unloaded on his YouTube channel: “That comment [Carragher’s] is representative of the majority of people out there. The majority of people out there would say that. I don’t think that’s right, I think that’s an ignorant thought process because the [Africa Cup of Nations] … If you go to Didier Drogba, Abedi Pele, Samuel Eto’o, Riyad Mahrez, Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mané they will tell you we have to win this. I understand what Jamie is saying but I don’t agree with it. But I understand that is the majority’s fault and it’s not right.” The ex-United man’s calling it a lazy swipe—AFCON’s a crown African legends chase hard.

Carragher clapped back on Ferdinand’s Instagram: “I didn’t say that you clown, stop playing to the gallery like you always do.” Then he doubled down on X: “The point I was trying to make yesterday was that Mo Salah is at a disadvantage playing for Egypt in terms of him winning the Ballon d’Or. If Salah had an average season at LFC but won the AFCON & was MVP I don’t think he would win the Ballon d’Or. Because I don’t think AFCON carries the weight of other tournaments. But if Mbappé had an average season at Real Madrid but won the World Cup/Euros he would still have a great opportunity. It’s not disrespectful if I feel the WC/Euros/CP are better tournaments it’s just my opinion when I watch them. Saying it wasn’t a major competition was clumsy but I think most people watching could understand the point I was trying to make. The face I pulled when Micah interjected was nothing to do with the merits of the tournament, I just knew as soon as he did what the reaction was going to be! I get a lot people didn’t like what I said & that’s fine.”