Ivorian football legend Yaya Touré has criticised what he perceives as a lack of respect for Liverpool star Mohamed Salah following controversial remarks by former England defender Jamie Carragher.
The debate over Salah’s Ballon d’Or chances reignited after another stellar performance by the Egyptian forward, who scored and assisted in Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Manchester City on Sunday.
However, Carragher’s comments regarding Salah’s international career have sparked controversy, prompting swift backlash from several football figures.
Carragher dismisses AFCON in Ballon d’Or debate
Speaking on Sky Sports, Carragher acknowledged Salah’s credentials for football’s most prestigious individual award but suggested that his nationality could be a disadvantage.
AFCON needs more respect… ✊🏽
It matters & federations need to do more to highlight this.Ask the likes of Mo Salah, Didier Drogba, Yaya Toure, Abedi Pele, Samuel Eto’o what it means….#AFCON pic.twitter.com/w0NnYdMAqa
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) February 24, 2025
His problem is that he is Egyptian and therefore cannot win a major (international) competition, Carragher remarked, overlooking the significance of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
His comments quickly drew criticism from fellow pundits and former players, including Micah Richards, Daniel Sturridge, and Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand, who took issue with the dismissal of AFCON’s importance.
Yaya Touré “shocked” by the lack of recognition for Salah
Among the strongest reactions came from Yaya Touré, a four-time African Footballer of the Year and former Manchester City midfielder.
Speaking to beIN Sports, the 2015 AFCON winner expressed his disbelief at how Salah continues to be undervalued despite his exceptional consistency for Liverpool since joining the club in 2017.
🗣️ Yaya Touré : « Salah est le meilleur joueur du monde.
Je ne comprends pas comment on peut surcoter certains joueurs après une seule bonne saison et mal parler de Salah, qui est tellement fort et constant depuis si longtemps. » 🇪🇬pic.twitter.com/fK3o0MvHKg— Onze Masr 🇪🇬 (@onzemasr) February 23, 2025
If Salah is the best player in the world? For me, yes.
We have to give it (the Ballon d’Or) to Mo Salah,” Touré said.
The former Ivory Coast captain criticised the tendency to overlook Salah’s achievements compared to other players, arguing that the Egyptian’s sustained excellence deserves far greater recognition.
Without disrespect to the other candidates, Salah deserves it. Because people talk about consistency.
I’ve seen players overrated—after one season, people said they were the best.
But this guy, for years, has been so consistent with Liverpool, and yet people still find a way to talk about him differently.
Sometimes I’m so shocked by these people. I don’t understand. He deserves respect.”
Salah’s legacy and Ballon d’Or prospects
Salah, who has won multiple Premier League Golden Boots and played a key role in Liverpool’s domestic and European successes, remains one of the most influential players in world football.
However, he has yet to claim the Ballon d’Or, with many believing his African heritage and the perceived lower status of AFCON compared to European competitions may have worked against him.
With his continued excellence at Liverpool, the debate over Salah’s rightful place among football’s elite is unlikely to fade anytime soon.
For Touré and others, the message is clear—Salah deserves far more recognition for his achievements.
