In a podcast with Romário, Neymar shared insights from his time at PSG, revealing that Kylian Mbappé became “a little jealous” when Lionel Messi joined the team in 2021. Neymar mentioned that while their partnership initially flourished, Mbappé didn’t want to share the spotlight, leading to ego clashes. Neymar emphasized that big egos within the team often hindered their performance, especially in crucial matches. He also hinted at returning to Brazil after his contract with Al-Hilal ends later this year.
During the PSG days, Neymar shared his insights on the dynamics within the team, particularly after Lionel Messi joined in August 2021. In a podcast with Romário, Neymar revealed that Kylian Mbappé exhibited a sense of jealousy following Messi’s arrival, as he did not want to share the spotlight.
While initially having a positive relationship with Mbappé, Neymar explained how their bond began to sour due to ego clashes and a shift in behavior. Neymar also discussed the influence of large egos within the team, emphasizing that individualism was detrimental to team performance, particularly in key matches. He pointed out that success required collective effort, with players needing to support one another. He said:
“We had some good years of partnership, but after Messi came he was a little jealous.He didn’t want to split me with anyone. And then there were some fights, a change in behavior.”
Neymar further hinted at the possibility of returning to Brazil after his contract with Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia ends. His comments about Mbappé and Messi have not yet received responses from the players involved. Neymar’s reflections offer a rare behind-the-scenes look at the internal struggles of a top-tier football team amid superstar egos.
