AFCON’s Prestige Under Question: Why Is Africa’s Biggest Tournament Undervalued?

When Mohamed Salah scored from a well-worked corner routine in Sunday’s crucial  Premier League match, Liverpool took a commanding 11-point lead over Arsenal, edging closer to another title— their first premier league  trophy since 2020. With 25 goals and 16 assists, Salah’s productivity has been  undeniable this season, sparking discussions about his place among the greatest African players to grace the Premier League. But beyond domestic dominance, another debate emerged—his chances of winning football’s most prestigious individual award, the Ballon d’Or.

In a post-match discussion on Sky Sports, Jamie Carragher, Micah Richards, Roy Keane, and Daniel Sturridge analyzed Salah’s credentials. While some argued he was a contender, Carragher suggested Salah’s nationality posed a challenge, as Egypt lacks strong prospects in “major tournaments.” However, his failure to give the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) its due  as a major competition drew immediate backlash, with Richards and Sturridge quick to correct him noting that “AFCON is a major tournament” to which Carragher scoffed. Sturridge went further saying “If you win the Euros or the Copa America, it’s deemed to be big. AFCON is on the same level.” That two former Premier League players—both of whom spent their entire careers within the European game— had to essentially cosplay as Geography teachers to rescue what had become  a sore sight. 

Carragher, Micah Richards and Daniel Sturridge in the Sky Sports Studio

The fact that such a defense was necessary highlights the broader issue: Why is AFCON often dismissed compared to the Euros or Copa América? For many of us, Carragher’s remarks were not just a trivial slight to the AFCON but a reflection of a larger problem—how the world views Africans. 

One of the primary reasons for AFCON’s devaluation constant entitlement is the global football narrative, which is heavily shaped by European perspectives. The media plays a significant role in influencing how tournaments are perceived, and AFCON has not been given the same status as the Euros or Copa América. European competitions receive extensive coverage, while AFCON is often treated as an afterthought. The lack of visibility on major platforms affects how players’ achievements in the tournament are valued. When a player wins the Copa América or the Euros, it is seen as a career-defining moment, yet an AFCON triumph is rarely spoken of in the same regard. This skewed perception is a major reason why African players struggle to gain recognition on the global stage.

Salah’s former teammate Elmohamady hits back at Jamie Carragher

Another challenge is the long-standing conflict between AFCON and European club football. Unlike the Euros or Copa América, which take place during the European off-season, AFCON is scheduled in the middle of the club football calendar. This timing has led to friction between players and their clubs, with managers often reluctant to release key players for the tournament. The narrative that AFCON is an “inconvenience” further devalues its importance. European clubs treat international duty for African players as an unwelcome disruption rather than a prestigious honor. This has created a culture where even African players sometimes feel torn between their clubs and their national teams, diminishing the tournament’s prestige.

The tournament has also struggled with issues of organization, infrastructure, and officiating, which have occasionally led to disruptions. While AFCON has provided some of the most thrilling moments in football history, logistical challenges such as poor scheduling, controversial refereeing decisions, and disputes over venues have often overshadowed the on-field brilliance. These factors contribute to a perception that the tournament lacks the same professionalism as its European and South American counterparts. If AFCON is to be respected at the same level, there must be improvements in how it is structured and presented to the world.

Another factor that has hurt AFCON’s prestige is the lack of African representation among Ballon d’Or winners. Since the award’s inception, only one African player, George Weah, has won the Ballon d’Or. Despite the brilliance of players like Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto’o, Yaya Touré, and Sadio Mané—many of whom have won AFCON titles—their achievements have not translated into the same recognition given to their European and South American peers. This lack of recognition reinforces the idea that success in African football does not carry the same weight as success in other regions. If an AFCON triumph were truly valued on the global stage, it would significantly bolster the chances of African players winning major individual awards.

To restore the tournament’s standing, African football authorities must take deliberate steps to elevate its visibility and global perception. The narrative around AFCON needs to shift so that winning it carries the same prestige as lifting the Euros or Copa América. Until then, players like Salah will continue to be judged unfairly, and African football’s greatest stage will remain undervalued. However, the fact that Richards and Sturridge were quick to challenge Carragher’s perspective offers hope—it shows that AFCON, despite the dismissive attitudes of some, still commands enough respect to warrant defense, even in European football circles. The challenge now is turning that recognition into lasting prestige.