Legendary footballer Emmanuel Adebayor has criticized Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher for downplaying the importance of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Adebayor argues that Carragher’s remarks not only disrespect the tournament but also undermine the talent and contributions of African players.
The former Togo captain expressed his frustration, stating that Carragher, whom he does not consider a world-class defender, has no right to diminish AFCON’s significance.
“These comments are completely disrespectful—not just to AFCON but to all Africans. Every time AFCON comes around, clubs hesitate to release players, and people try to downplay its importance. I’ve played against world-class defenders in the Premier League, and Carragher is not one of them,” Adebayor told AfricaSoccer.com.
What Carragher Said About AFCON
During a post-match analysis of Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Manchester City on February 23, 2025, on Sky Sports, Carragher suggested that Mohamed Salah’s chances of winning the 2025 Ballon d’Or could be hindered by Egypt’s international standing.
“I think the issue is that he [Salah] plays for Egypt, and they might not be in a major tournament or have a strong chance of winning one. Typically, the Ballon d’Or goes to players who excel in the Champions League or a major international competition.
“Right now, players like Vinicius Jr. and Mbappé are in the spotlight because Real Madrid are strong contenders for the Champions League. Liverpool will be in the mix, but Real Madrid are currently the favorites,” Carragher said.
