In a candid conversation with Brazilian football legend Romario, Neymar has shed light on his tumultuous experiences at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), specifically addressing Kylian Mbappe’s alleged jealousy following Lionel Messi’s arrival.
He also reflected on his challenging departure from Barcelona, which he described as “the escape of the century.”
The Dynamics at PSG: Mbappe’s Jealousy
Neymar revealed that after Messi joined PSG, he noticed a shift in Mbappe’s behaviour. “After Messi arrived, Mbappe was a little jealous. There were some fights and a change in behaviour,” Neymar explained.
Despite their differences, he emphasized that Mbappe was instrumental to the team during his early years at PSG.
“I called him ‘Golden Boy’ and always believed he would become one of the best,” Neymar stated, recalling their close friendship and collaboration.
Mbappe joined PSG in 2017, the same year Neymar made his high-profile move from Barcelona.
Reflecting on their relationship, Neymar admitted, “We had our moments; we had a little fight, but he was fundamental for us when he arrived.”
The Ego Wars at PSG
Neymar did not shy away from discussing the challenges posed by the egos within the squad. He pointed out that despite having exceptional talent, PSG struggled to achieve success in the Champions League due to a lack of teamwork.
“It’s good to have egos, but you have to know that you don’t play alone,” he remarked. “If no one runs and no one helps, it’s impossible to win anything.”
This insight into the internal dynamics at PSG raises questions about how star-studded teams can balance individual ambitions with collective goals—a challenge that has plagued many top clubs.
A Difficult Transition at Barcelona
Neymar also reflected on his difficult adaptation period at Barcelona after joining from Santos. He shared an emotional moment when he felt overwhelmed and began to cry during a match break.
“Messi knocked on my door and asked why I was crying. He told me he was there to help and encouraged me to play like I did at Santos,” Neymar recalled. This pivotal conversation helped him regain confidence and find his footing in Spanish football.
Why Neymar Left Barcelona
Despite enjoying considerable success at Barcelona, Neymar revealed that his decision to leave was not driven by a desire for individual accolades or to be the best player in the world. “My motivation was not to win individual awards… it was for personal reasons,” he explained.
He acknowledged that while the financial incentives from PSG were appealing, his friendships with fellow Brazilians like Thiago Silva and Marquinhos also played a role in his decision.
Ambitions Beyond Individual Awards
Neymar expressed his ongoing ambition to win the Ballon d’Or, admitting that his peak performance came during his time at PSG.
“Playing as I did at PSG, I would definitely win the Ballon d’Or,” he stated, although injuries hindered his chances.
He emphasized that while every player aspires for this honor, it is not the sole measure of success.
Now at Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, Neymar remains open to returning to Brazilian football once his contract ends.
As he navigates this new chapter in his career, fans continue to speculate about where his journey will lead next.
Neymar’s revelations provide a fascinating glimpse into the complexities of life as a professional footballer, highlighting how personal relationships and team dynamics can significantly impact performance and career decisions.
