Neymar reflects on tensions with Mbappé at PSG

Friday 17 January 2025 - 11:35

In an exclusive interview, Neymar opened up about the tensions that defined his relationship with Kylian Mbappé during their time together at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). According to the Brazilian forward, the arrival of Lionel Messi in 2021 significantly altered the team dynamics, leading to ego issues and jealousy.

Neymar initially described his relationship with Mbappé as positive and collaborative. "When he arrived, he was essential. I always told him he would become one of the best players in the world. We had a great bond; he would come to my house, and we would dine together," Neymar shared. However, things took a turn after Messi joined, someone with whom Neymar already shared a strong connection from their days at FC Barcelona.

"I think he [Mbappé] became a bit jealous. He didn’t want to share me with anyone, and that’s when the arguments started. His behavior changed," Neymar said, noting that he left PSG in 2023 for Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal.

Beyond personal relationships, Neymar highlighted the lack of cohesion within the team, which, in his view, prevented PSG from reaching its full potential, especially in the Champions League. "You have to understand that football is a team sport. You can be the best player, but you need others to win. Everyone's egos made things impossible," he explained.

Despite his move to Saudi Arabia, Neymar continues to face challenges. Struggling with recurring injuries, he has played few matches for Al-Hilal since his arrival. While he is content with his current experience, the forward remains cautious about his future: "In six months, everything can change."

These revelations shed light on the internal struggles PSG faced, a club frequently criticized for its inability to turn a squad of stars into a truly cohesive team. They also reflect the challenges big clubs face when managing strong personalities, a factor that, according to Neymar, plays a crucial role in the pursuit of success at the highest level.