Egyptian legend and four-time AFCON winner Ahmed Hassan has condemned Jamie Carragher for downplaying the significance of the AFCON.
Following Liverpool’s 2-0 Premier League victory over Manchester City on Sunday, Carragher suggested that Mohamed Salah would need to win the Champions League to have a serious shot at the Ballon d’Or, implying that AFCON is not a “major tournament.”
His comments have sparked widespread condemnation from fans and football players alike, accusing him of disrespecting the continent’s main football competition.
Ahmed Hassan, one of Africa’s most decorated players, was deeply disappointed by Jamie Carragher’s remarks, calling them ignorant and offensive. In an official statement, he emphasized AFCON’s global prestige and Africa’s immense contribution to world football.
He highlighted that Africa consists of 54 nations, making it larger than Europe both in landmass and population. He also pointed out that AFCON attracts millions of viewers worldwide and is one of the most celebrated football tournaments.
Ahmed Hassan further stressed the pivotal role African players play in European football, noting that many of the world’s best leagues and national teams, including France and England, heavily rely on players of African descent.
Dismissing any notion that AFCON is a minor tournament, the former Egyptian national team captain reinforced its prestige and the honor it represents for African nations. He also defended Salah and other African players who have historically been overlooked for individual accolades like the Ballon d’Or due to systemic biases.
Despite this, Ahmed Hassan remains confident that Salah is on course to win the prestigious award, bringing pride to Africa. Below is the full official statement.
