Carragher says that Mo Salah is unlikely to win the Ballon d’Or because of AFCON

Mohamed Salah is unlikely to win the 2025 Ballon d’Or, according to Liverpool FC star Jamie Carragher, because the AFCON isn’t a “major tournament.”

Because of his steady and striking performances for Liverpool in the English Premier League and UEFA Champions League this season, many have predicted the Egyptian superstar to win the coveted award.

Salah will serve as Egypt’s captain from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, at the 2025 AFCON finals in Morocco.

“I was attempting to convey yesterday that Mo Salah’s chances of winning the Balon d’Or are diminished when he plays for Egypt. “I don’t think Salah would win the Balon d’Or if he had an average season at Liverpool but won the AFCON and was MVP,” Carragher stated.

“Because I don’t believe that AFCON is as important as other competitions.” However, Kylian Mbappe would still have a fantastic opportunity if he had a mediocre season at Real Madrid but won the World Cup or Euros.

“It’s not only about certain tournaments; Lewandowski (Poland) and (Andriy) Shevchenko (Ukraine) were never going to win the WC/Euros to support their claim to the prize. It’s just a fact, and I don’t believe it’s contentious at all. I am aware that Mane finished second in the competition a few years ago after winning it, but that didn’t get him there; LFC’s proximity to a quadruple—two games away—also played a significant part,” he added.

“If I think the WC, Euros, or CP are better tournaments, that’s just my opinion when I watch them; it’s not disrespectful.” Although it was awkward to say it wasn’t a huge competition, I believe the majority of viewers understood what I was attempting to say. The expression I made when Micah (Richards) interrupted had nothing to do with the tournament’s qualities; I simply knew what the response would be! I understand that many people didn’t agree with what I stated, and that’s okay.

“Normally, I don’t reply to postings like this on this site, but after witnessing so many phoneys hopping on the bandwagon and playing to the gallery when they understood what I meant, I made the decision to twitter. Mo, you little dancer, good luck.

In 1995, George Weah of Liberia became the first and only African to win both FIFA World Player of the Year and the Ballon d’Or.