By Former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has weighed in on the debate over the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), stating that it is on par with the UEFA European Championship and Copa America.
His remarks came in response to Jamie Carragher, who downplayed AFCON’s significance while discussing Mohamed Salah’s chances of winning the Ballon d’Or. Carragher suggested that Salah’s nationality and Egypt’s international record could work against him in the race for football’s top individual prize.
Sturridge, however, disagreed with this perspective and defended the prestige of the tournament. He emphasized that AFCON holds the same value as other continental competitions.
Speaking after Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Manchester City on Sky Sports, Sturridge pointed out that winning the Euros or Copa America is widely celebrated, and AFCON deserves the same level of recognition.
“If you win the Euros or Copa America, it’s deemed to be big, so the AFCON is on the same level,” he stated.
His comments have sparked further discussion among football fans, with many supporting his stance that African football should be given the respect it deserves on the global stage.
