In a candid revelation, Brazilian superstar Neymar has lifted the lid on internal tensions during his time at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), accusing his former teammate Kylian Mbappe of being “jealous” of his relationship with Lionel Messi. Speaking on a podcast hosted by Brazilian football legend Romario, Neymar painted a picture of egos clashing within the French club’s star-studded lineup.
The saga began in 2021 when Messi, already an iconic figure from his Barcelona days, joined PSG. Neymar and Messi had previously enjoyed a successful partnership at Barcelona, winning several trophies, including the UEFA Champions League. However, Neymar claims that Messi’s arrival disrupted the chemistry within the team, particularly his relationship with Mbappe.
“We spent some good years together, but then, when Messi arrived, I think he [Mbappe] got a little jealous,” Neymar disclosed. “He didn’t want to share me with anyone, and then the fights began, the change of behavior.”
From Friends to Rivals
Neymar reflected on his early bond with Mbappe when the young French forward joined PSG in 2017. Initially, their camaraderie flourished, with Neymar describing Mbappe as “fundamental” to the team.
“He was like a little brother,” Neymar said. “I always told him he would be one of the best. I joked with him, supported him, and even welcomed him into my home. We went out to dinner together. It was all good at the beginning.”
But the arrival of Messi, Neymar’s close ally from his Barcelona days, reportedly strained their once-solid relationship. Neymar suggested that Mbappe’s competitive nature and reluctance to share the spotlight contributed to the discord.
“Egos Got in the Way”
Neymar didn’t mince words when describing the failure of PSG’s celebrated trio—Messi, Mbappe, and himself—to fulfill their potential. The trio, assembled with great fanfare, was expected to dominate European football. Instead, they struggled to consistently deliver on the big stage, with PSG falling short in their Champions League ambitions.
“You have to realise that you don’t play alone,” Neymar explained. “You can say, ‘I’m the best,’ but who will give you the ball? You need teamwork, people who support you. Without that, even the best players can’t succeed.”
The Brazilian star hinted that individualism, particularly from Mbappe, played a significant role in derailing the team’s synergy.
Neymar’s Post-PSG Journey
Neymar’s departure from PSG in 2023 marked the end of an era. He joined Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, a move that sparked mixed reactions. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, injuries have limited his impact, with Neymar featuring in only a handful of matches over 16 months.
When asked about his future, Neymar kept his options open, teasing a potential return to Brazil or a stint in Major League Soccer (MLS). “I’m happy in Saudi Arabia,” he said. “But in six months, everything can change.”
Contextual Backdrop: A Trio That Promised Much
PSG’s decision to bring together Neymar, Messi, and Mbappe was hailed as a masterstroke. The trio represented a blend of experience, skill, and youthful dynamism. Messi brought his unparalleled vision and playmaking ability, Neymar added flair and creativity, while Mbappe’s explosive pace and finishing prowess completed the puzzle.
However, their collective performance never matched the lofty expectations. Analysts have pointed to various factors, including tactical mismatches, injury woes, and internal rivalries, as reasons for their underachievement.
Neymar’s revelations shed new light on the human dynamics behind the scenes. The Brazilian’s comments highlight how even the most talented individuals can falter without unity and mutual respect.
Mbappe’s Side of the Story
While Neymar’s claims have generated headlines, Mbappe has yet to respond. Known for his competitive edge, Mbappe has often been described as ambitious and driven, traits that have propelled him to superstardom. However, critics have occasionally questioned his ability to coexist with other big personalities.
In past interviews, Mbappe has acknowledged the challenges of playing in a team filled with stars. “Everyone wants to win, and everyone wants to be the best. That’s natural,” he once remarked.
Whether Neymar’s version of events will elicit a reaction from Mbappe remains to be seen.
Neymar’s Relationship with Messi
Neymar and Messi’s bond is a well-documented story of mutual admiration and friendship. Their time together at Barcelona was marked by incredible success, including a historic treble in 2015.
When Messi joined PSG, many fans expected the duo to reignite their magic. While they showcased glimpses of brilliance, their reunion was overshadowed by off-field tensions and the weight of expectations.
Lessons from PSG’s Star-Studded Experiment
Neymar’s candid remarks underscore the importance of teamwork in football, even at the highest level. PSG’s experience serves as a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of assembling a squad of superstars without fostering a cohesive team culture.
As Neymar continues his career in Saudi Arabia, his reflections offer valuable insights into the complexities of modern football. For fans and pundits alike, his revelations add a new layer to the narrative of PSG’s turbulent journey.
