Africa has not produced a defender better than Jamie Carragher – Joey Barton

Former England defender Joey Barton has ignited a firestorm of controversy with his latest remarks on Jamie Carragher recent comment on the African Cup of Nation(AFCON).

Speaking on the Common Sense Podcast, the outspoken former England international dropped a bombshell, asserting that the African continent has failed to produce a defender capable of matching the caliber of Jamie Carragher.

Joey Barton says Africa has never produced a Defender as good as Jamie Carragher.

Kolo Toure went unbeaten in two league seasons with Arsenal in 2003/04 and Celtic in 2016/17.

Taribo West broke the record for the World’s Most Expensive Defender in 1997.pic.twitter.com/MC5d5bKgub

— Africa Facts Zone (@AfricaFactsZone) March 6, 2025

Barton’s comments were a thinly veiled attempt to defend his fellow countryman, Jamie Carragher, who had come under intense scrutiny for his dismissive remarks about the Africa Cup of Nations. Carragher had initially downplayed the tournament’s significance, sparking widespread outrage. However, Carragher has since backtracked, acknowledging that his words were clumsy and ill-chosen.

Undeterred by the backlash, Barton waded into the fray, positing that Africa has yet to produce a defender who can hold a candle to Carragher’s impressive defensive prowess. “Can anyone out there, despite all the flak Carragher has taken, name a better defender from Africa than Jamie Carragher?” Barton asked rhetorically.

“There’s no better defender come from Africa than Jamie Carragher. Africa have never produced a better defender than Jamie Carragher” he added.

Just like his country man, Barton’s incendiary comments have predictably set the cat among the pigeons, with many fans and pundits taking umbrage with his sweeping assertion.

Kalidou Koulibaly was a better defender than Jamie Carragher.

— African Realist (@BIkLibertarian) March 6, 2025

Carragher is worst defender, he is not good at anything, no one wants to be like him while growing up.

— Dr. Haido (@junaid_haido) March 6, 2025

Can we please have Africa All Stars vs British All Stars I want to see something pic.twitter.com/o0PAXMPV3T

— ???????????????????????? ???????????????????????????? ???????????????????????? ???? (@Themba_Ndlovu_) March 6, 2025

Khalidou Koulibaly, Kolo Toure, Nourdine Naybet, Taribo West, Samuel Osei Kuffour, Mehdi Benatia and I’m probably forgetting others.

— Yussef ???? (@yussisloose) March 6, 2025

Rigobert Song went to the World Cup for Cameroon 4 times. England missed the world cup qualification severally then. pic.twitter.com/6ACp8Ijq36

— Bernard Gachiu (@BERNARDg32) March 6, 2025

Lucas Radebe & Rigoberto Song are way ahead of Jamie,do I blame Joey?.We don’t praise & value ourselves in Africa,when their league is the pinnacle of success in football,why wouldn’t he say things like that. Prime Yobo & Taribo West are miles ahead of Carragher.

— G.S. Maverick (@GS_Maverick067) March 6, 2025

Sammy Kuffour won the UCL, 6 Bundesliga titles, 4 DFB Porkals and was BBC African player of the year 2001. Show some respect

— David Moyo (@DivadolaMoyo) March 6, 2025

 

The post Africa has not produced a defender better than Jamie Carragher – Joey Barton first appeared on 3News.

Read Full Story