Former Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) star Neymar has disclosed that Kylian Mbappé experienced feelings of jealousy following Lionel Messi’s high-profile transfer to the French club in August 2021.
Speaking on a podcast hosted by Brazilian football legend Romário, Neymar reflected on his time at PSG and the dynamics among the club’s formidable attacking trio, which included himself, Messi, and Mbappé.
The Brazilian shared candid insights into the camaraderie and occasional friction within the star-studded lineup.
Neymar, who joined PSG in 2017 for a record-breaking £222 million after a successful stint at Barcelona, admitted there were moments of tension with Mbappé.
However, he emphasized that their relationship was mostly positive.
When asked by Romário about his rapport with Mbappé, Neymar described the French forward as far from difficult. “He’s not annoying,” Neymar stated.
“We had our moments, a little disagreement, but overall, he was crucial for us from the moment he arrived.”
Reflecting on their bond, Neymar revealed the nickname he used for Mbappé and the mentorship he offered.
“I used to call him ‘golden boy.’ I always believed he would become one of the best players in the world. I helped him, supported him, and we often spent time together. He would come over to my place, and we’d have dinner,” Neymar shared.
Despite their camaraderie, Neymar admitted that Messi’s arrival at PSG in 2021 created some tension within the team.
The Argentine’s presence shifted dynamics, with Neymar observing that Mbappé seemed “a little jealous.”
Neymar didn’t elaborate on specific incidents, but his remarks highlight the challenges of managing egos and expectations in a squad filled with elite talent.
The Brazilian acknowledged that balancing relationships within such a high-profile group wasn’t always easy, but he stressed the importance of their collective goal to succeed on the pitch.
Messi’s transfer to PSG brought significant media attention and added pressure to the team, which already boasted some of the biggest names in football.
While the trio occasionally delivered dazzling performances, reports of behind-the-scenes friction often emerged.
Neymar, now at Saudi club Al-Hilal, reflected on his PSG journey with a mix of nostalgia and candor, shedding light on the personal and professional dynamics that defined one of the most scrutinized squads in modern football.
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