Neymar said that Kylian Mbappe became “a little jealous” when superstar Lionel Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2021.
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Neymar said Mbappe became “a little jealous” when Messi joined PSG
Speaking in a podcast hosted by World Cup winner Romario released Thursday, the Brazilian striker said that big egos affected the performances of PSG in big matches.
When asked by Romario if Mbappe “is annoying”, Neymar admitted that they had “a little fight”
“No, he is not. I have my things with him, we had a little fight, but he was fundamental for us when he arrived. I used to call him golden boy,” Neymar said.
“I always played with him, said he was going to be one of the best. I always helped, talked to him, he came to my place, we had dinner together.”
Mbappe joined PSG from Monaco in 2017, the same year Neymar made his historic move from Barcelona in one of the biggest transfers in soccer history.
Meanwhile, Messi signed with PSG in 2021 on a free transfer, following his legendary career at Barca.
“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 added.
Despite the hype, the trio failed to secure their first Champions League title for the French club.
Neymar said the team often struggled due to big egos, but didn’t name anyone.
“It is good to have egos, but you have to know that you don’t play alone,” he said.
“There needs to be another guy by your side. [Big] egos were almost everywhere, it can’t work. If nobody runs and nobody helps, it is impossible to win anything.”
Post-PSG careers
Messi left in July 2023 to join MLS side Inter Miami.
Meanwhile, Neymar left for Saudi side Al Hilal the following month, but has endured an injury-laden tenure.
Mbappe then took his talents to Spanish giants Real Madrid, a year later.
