Brazilian football star Neymar has opened up about the dynamics between Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi during their time at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Speaking on a podcast hosted by legendary Brazilian striker Romario, Neymar revealed that Mbappé felt “jealous” after Messi joined the French club in 2021.
When asked whether Mbappé, who recently transferred to Real Madrid, is “annoying,” Neymar clarified:
“No, he is not. We had our differences and a little fight, but he was essential to our team when he arrived. I used to call him ‘Golden Boy.’ I always supported him, told him he would become one of the best. We had dinners together and shared good moments.
“However, after Messi joined, he got a bit jealous. He didn’t want to share my attention with anyone. That caused some tension and changes in behavior.”
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The Neymar-Mbappé-Messi Triangle
Both Neymar and Mbappé joined PSG in 2017, with Neymar arriving from Barcelona and Mbappé from AS Monaco. Their partnership thrived on the pitch, but Neymar admitted that big egos in the team often disrupted performances during crucial matches.
“It’s good to have egos, but you need to know that football isn’t a one-man game,” Neymar explained.
“You need teammates to win. When egos get in the way, and nobody runs or helps each other, it’s impossible to achieve success.”
Neymar on Choosing Barcelona Over Real Madrid
During the podcast, Neymar also reflected on his decision to join Barcelona instead of Real Madrid earlier in his career. The Brazilian star said he had no regrets, as his heart led him to Camp Nou.
“I don’t regret choosing Barcelona over Real Madrid. I always wanted to play for Barça, especially alongside Messi. Since the days of Ronaldinho, I dreamt of playing there. It was my favorite team.”
Recalling the intense decision-making process, Neymar said:
“Those were hectic days. For two or three days, I wasn’t even training – just going back and forth from my house to the office to resolve things. Both Real Madrid and Barcelona were calling me, with their presidents personally reaching out.
“In the end, my heart spoke louder. I imagined myself at both clubs, but I chose Barça, and I’ve never looked back.”
Neymar’s career has been defined by his incredible partnerships with top players like Messi and Mbappé. Despite the challenges at PSG, he acknowledged the unforgettable moments shared with his teammates. Now, as he continues to make his mark, Neymar’s reflections highlight the complexities of football stardom and the importance of personal connections on and off the pitch.
