SAO PAULO — Neymar, the Brazilian striker currently with Saudi club Al-Hilal, shared insights about his time at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) during a recent podcast episode hosted by World Cup champion Romário. He discussed the dynamics within the club, particularly highlighting how the arrival of Lionel Messi in August 2021 stirred feelings of jealousy in Kylian Mbappé, his former teammate. Neymar suggested that the presence of strong personalities contributed to the team’s underwhelming performances in pivotal matches.

In response to a question about whether Mbappé was “annoying,” Neymar clarified that the 24-year-old forward isn’t bothersome but admitted they did have some conflicts. He fondly recalled their partnership, stating that he often referred to Mbappé as the “golden boy” and believed in his potential. Their time together was filled with camaraderie, as they often spent time off the field, sharing meals and experiences.

However, Neymar noted that things changed with Messi’s arrival, indicating that Mbappé became a bit possessive and jealous. This shift, according to Neymar, led to altercations and a noticeable change in their interactions. Both players arrived at PSG in 2017 with hopes of securing the club’s first Champions League title, a goal that remains unachieved.

Neymar expressed that while having strong egos can be beneficial, it’s essential for players to work in tandem. He emphasized the importance of mutual support, mentioning that an overabundance of individualism and egos could jeopardize team success. Without cooperation and teamwork, he implied, achieving victory becomes increasingly difficult.

Moreover, Neymar did not dismiss the possibility of returning to Brazil after his contract with Al-Hilal concludes in the middle of the year. Meanwhile, neither Mbappé nor Messi has commented on Neymar’s remarks, leaving the dynamic between the three players somewhat ambiguous.