In a candid revelation, Neymar Jr. shared insights into the dynamics between himself, Kylian Mbappe, and Lionel Messi during their time together at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Speaking on Brazilian football legend Romario’s podcast, Neymar shed light on how the arrival of Messi in 2021 shifted the balance within PSG’s superstar trio, causing tension and jealousy between the players.
Neymar and Mbappe’s Early Bond
Neymar and Mbappe formed a potent attacking duo at PSG after both joined the club in the summer of 2017. Neymar reflected on their relationship, describing how he initially took on a mentor-like role with the young French star, who was just a teenager at the time of his move from Monaco. Neymar recalled, “I used to call him golden boy. I always played with him, said he was going to be one of the best. I always helped, talked to him, and even invited him to my place for dinner.”
Their partnership on the field was crucial to PSG’s success, particularly in their run to the 2020 UEFA Champions League final. However, despite their strong on-field collaboration, Neymar admitted that their relationship was not without challenges.
Tensions Rise After Messi’s Arrival
Things started to shift when Lionel Messi joined PSG in 2021, following his departure from Barcelona. Neymar explained that while the trio of Neymar, Mbappe, and Messi looked promising, internal conflicts emerged. “We had some good years of partnership, but after Messi came he was a little jealous,” Neymar admitted. He humorously added, “He didn’t want to split me with anyone.”
This apparent jealousy led to some friction within the team, as Mbappe, who was becoming one of the world’s top players, had to adjust to the dynamics of sharing the spotlight with Messi, a footballing legend, and Neymar, his long-time teammate. Neymar’s comments reflect the challenges of managing egos within a squad of such high-caliber talent.
The Strain of Big Egos and Expectations
Neymar also addressed the issue of egos, which often complicate team dynamics in top football clubs. “It is good to have egos, but you have to know that you don’t play alone. There needs to be another guy by your side,” he said, cryptically hinting at the tensions in PSG’s locker room. “Big egos were almost everywhere… it can’t work. If nobody runs and nobody helps, it is impossible to win anything.”
This remark pointed to the struggles PSG faced, despite having some of the best players in the world. The club’s failure to secure a Champions League title during the trio’s time together, coupled with early exits in the competition, highlighted the difficulties of balancing such strong personalities and expectations.
The End of an Era at PSG
The tensions between Mbappe, Messi, and Neymar ultimately led to the dismantling of PSG’s superstar trio. In 2023, Neymar left the club for Al-Hilal, while Messi joined Inter Miami. The following year, Mbappe made his highly-anticipated move to Real Madrid after a dramatic transfer saga.
Their time together at PSG was marked by moments of brilliance, but also by internal struggles and an inability to fully gel as a cohesive unit. Neymar and Messi’s departure, coupled with Mbappe’s eventual move, marked the end of an era for PSG.
A Historic World Cup Clash
The trio’s final meeting on the pitch came during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where Mbappe and Messi faced off in a thrilling final. Mbappe, who scored a hat-trick in the final, was unable to repeat his 2018 World Cup triumph, while Messi finally lifted the coveted trophy, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time.
PSG’s New Direction
With Mbappe’s departure to Real Madrid in 2024, PSG has begun a new chapter. The club is shifting its focus toward rebuilding with fewer superstar names and a stronger emphasis on nurturing homegrown talent. This transition marks a new era for the club, moving away from the high-profile trio that once dominated European football.
Conclusion
Neymar’s revelations provide a rare glimpse into the internal dynamics of one of football’s most high-profile attacking trios. While their partnership brought immense success to PSG, it was also fraught with challenges, jealousy, and clashes of ego. As PSG looks to the future, the departure of these iconic players signals the end of an era, but also the beginning of a new phase for the club.
Stay tuned for further updates on PSG’s next steps and the future of its star players.
