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“Winning AFCON Won’t Help Salah Win the Ballon d’Or” – Carragher Says
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has fired back at Rio Ferdinand after the former Manchester United defender weighed in on the debate over Carragher’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) remarks.
Carragher had downplayed AFCON’s importance as a major tournament. After Liverpool’s 2-0 win against Manchester City on Sunday, the 47-year-old suggested that Mohamed Salah’s participation in AFCON could hurt his chances of winning the Ballon d’Or.
Ferdinand, speaking on his podcast, argued that Carragher’s view reflects the general perception and called on FIFA to elevate AFCON’s status to match the European Championship and Copa America.
Salah, who has finished as AFCON runner-up twice (2017 and 2021), has yet to win the tournament.
“I get what Jamie is saying, but I don’t agree with it. The fact that AFCON isn’t valued the same as the Euros or Copa America is wrong, and that’s on FIFA and the federations,” Ferdinand said.
“Jamie is right in that if Salah won AFCON, it wouldn’t influence the Ballon d’Or voting at all, which is completely unfair.”
Carragher didn’t hold back in his response, shutting down Ferdinand’s take.
“I didn’t say that, you clown. Stop playing to the gallery like you always do,” Carragher fired back on Instagram.
Chelsea player Enzo Fernández is in discussions to join Manchester City. This information was revealed by Fabrizio Romano, who shared that the two clubs are discussing a potential deal.
He wrote: “Enzo Fernández has a verbal agreement with Manchester City on personal terms.
“Deal depends on club-to-club decision, as #MCFC have not sent an official bid yet, but contacts will take place soon; decision on price is up to Chelsea.
“Enzo could be out again this weekend.”
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca mentions his captains for the team. He mentions Rúben Dias and Erling Haaland.
He shared “We have experienced players. For sure, we have leaders. Now we need to wait four or five more days until the transfer window closes to see if we can add one or two more captains to Ruben [Dias] and Erling , who at the moment are the two captains.”
Maresca confirmed the pair as part of his leadership group ahead of the 2026/27 season, with two more captains expected to be selected after the transfer window closes.
Chelsea manager speaks on the team and shares thoughts on considering a change in goalkeepers, giving another goalkeeper, Mike Penders, a chance.
“Penders is part of the squad, so he has an opportunity. We will decide and then I am giving the team tomorrow to the players, so I prefer to respect that they know first.”
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