El Hadji Diouf has fiercely criticized former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher following his controversial remarks about the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Carragher suggested that AFCON is not a “major tournament,” arguing that Mohamed Salah’s participation in the competition could hinder his chances of winning the Ballon d’Or.
His statement was met with widespread backlash, with football figures such as Rio Ferdinand and Mido condemning his comments as “disrespectful” and “ignorant.” Diouf, a two-time African Player of the Year, did not hold back in his response.
Diouf’s Stinging Reply
Reacting to Carragher’s remarks, Diouf defended AFCON’s status in world football and dismissed the former England international’s opinion.
The Senegalese legend’s response was pointed and direct:
“The AFCON is one of the three biggest football tournaments in the world, with more than 1.4 billion viewers.”
He went on to highlight the tournament’s global significance with concrete figures:
“Let’s look at the facts and figures to illustrate the importance of AFCON. It is watched in 170 countries, with an impressive total of 1.4 billion viewers, and is the third most-watched competition in the world. In addition, it generates 2.2 billion streaming views.”
Diouf did not stop there, taking a personal jab at Carragher’s footballing legacy:
“Today, when we talk about Jamie Carragher in Africa, people will think more of a brand of ketchup or mustard than a football player.”
He further accused Carragher of using provocation to stay relevant:
“You choose to disrespect the biggest tournament on the continent and the many African players who have left their mark on world football. You need these provocations to exist and get noticed.”
Ongoing Debate Over AFCON’s Status
Carragher’s initial remarks have reignited debates over the global perception of AFCON. The tournament, which has showcased legendary players such as George Weah, Samuel Eto’o, Didier Drogba, and Yaya Touré, holds immense prestige across the continent and beyond.
While European clubs sometimes view it as a mid-season disruption, AFCON remains a cherished competition for African nations, offering a stage for talent to shine on an international level.
Diouf’s impassioned defense reflects the sentiments of many who see AFCON as an essential part of the football calendar, one that deserves the same respect as other continental tournaments.
No Response From Carragher Yet
As of now, Carragher has not publicly responded to the growing criticism. However, given the strong reactions from figures like Diouf, Ferdinand, and Mido, the debate over AFCON’s global standing is unlikely to fade anytime soon.
