“Would I want my son to be Like Carragher?” – Emmanuel Adebayor backs Okocha

Former Arsenal forward Emmanuel Adebayor has sided with Super Eagles legend Austin Jay Jay Okocha in criticising ex-Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, Soccernet.ng reports.

It all started when Carragher downplayed the impact of winning the Africa Cup of Nations on a player’s chances of clinching the Ballon d’Or.

The comment sparked backlash from several African football icons, including Okocha, who earlier dismissed Carragher’s statement.

“There are some players that would say something, and you just have to overlook it. If you look at their career, if you look at the type of football they played, then you can understand. I mean… you won’t want your son to be like [Jamie] Carragher. So you can never appreciate African football or the talents that come from Africa.”

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Supporting Okocha’s stance, Adebayor voiced his displeasure on Carragher’s perspective and took a further swipe at the former England international’s career.

“I think I have seen a lot of African legends reacting to Jamie Carragher’s [comment]. I think Jay-Jay Okocha put it in a nice way. Come on, Jamie Carragher. Would I love my son to be a footballer and be named Jamie Carragher? The answer is no. Would I love to play football like Carragher? I am an entertainer, so I have nothing to do with Carragher. That is his own opinion. It’s sad for him to look down on our continent.”

“I think Jay-Jay Okocha put it in a nice way. Come on Jamie Carragher. Will I love my son to be a footballer and be named Jamie Carragher? The answer is No. Will I love to play football like Carragher?… It’s sad for him to look down on our continent.”

– Emmanuel Adebayor pic.twitter.com/e5wtqXWcsC

— @ (@OneJoblessBoy) March 9, 2025

Many argue that AFCON is one of the toughest international tournaments, having featured world-class talents who are performing incredibly well in Europe.

As for Carragher’s comment, it will continue to stir debate, with many African football icons and fans sharing their respective reactions.