Brazilian forward Neymar has revealed that his former Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) teammate, Kylian Mbappe, became “jealous” of his relationship with Lionel Messi after the Argentine star joined the French club in 2021.
Speaking on a podcast hosted by former Brazil striker Romario, Neymar attributed the strained dynamic between PSG’s attacking trio—himself, Mbappe, and Messi—to clashing egos.
Neymar, 32, who joined Saudi club Al-Hilal in 2023, said he initially enjoyed a positive relationship with Mbappe, who arrived at PSG in 2017.
“I had my issues with him, we had a little fight, but he was a boy who, at the beginning, was fundamental,” Neymar said. “He came to my house, we went out to dinner together.”
However, Neymar said the arrival of Messi in 2021 altered their relationship. Neymar had already shared a successful stint with Messi at Barcelona between 2013 and 2017.
“When Messi arrived, I think [Mbappe] got a little jealous. He didn’t want to share me with anyone, and then the fights began, the change of behavior,” Neymar said.
The Brazilian star also criticized the lack of teamwork among PSG’s superstar trio, suggesting it was a key reason they failed to realize their potential.
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“You have to realise that you don’t play alone. You have to have the others on your side… It was everyone’s ego, so it couldn’t work,” he explained.
Neymar, who has struggled with injuries since moving to Saudi Arabia, declined to comment on his long-term plans but hinted at possible changes in the near future.
“In six months, everything can change,” Neymar said, while maintaining that he is happy with his current situation.
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