Jamie Carragher’s recent remarks about the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) have highlighted the bias in Europe regarding the tournament’s global impact, writes DYLAN JOHNSON.
Writing for Soccermag, Johnson explains how Carragher’s comments, made after Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Manchester City, centered on two main points. He suggested that playing in AFCON could disadvantage a player in Ballon d’Or voting, implying that the tournament’s prestige doesn’t match that of the FIFA World Cup, European Championship, or Copa América. He also questioned AFCON’s significance compared to other major tournaments.
Historically, the Ballon d’Or has favored European players. Since its inception, the award has predominantly recognized European talent, with George Weah’s 1995 win marking the sole exception for an African player. This trend reflects a historical bias towards European football.
AFCON’s substantial global viewership and influence after the 2023 edition highlighted the growth of the African tournament. In 2023, the competition reached nearly 2 billion viewers, ranking it as the seventh most-watched sporting event of the year. This viewership surpassed that of the UEFA Champions League and Copa América, underscoring AFCON’s significant role in the global football landscape.
Johnson concludes that dismissing AFCON as a minor tournament is inaccurate and reflects a longstanding bias against African football. He suggests that if Mohamed Salah is overlooked for the Ballon d’Or, it will be due to historical biases favoring European football, not the significance of AFCON.
Photo: Visionhaus.Getty Images
