Brazilian Star Opens Up About Team Dynamics and Challenges of Managing Egos in Paris
Neymar has revealed insights into the interpersonal dynamics at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), sharing that his former teammate Kylian Mbappé experienced “a little jealousy” after Lionel Messi joined the club in 2021. The Brazilian star, who now plays for Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, made the comments during a podcast hosted by World Cup-winning striker Romário.
Neymar on Mbappé: “He Was Fundamental for Us”
When asked by Romário if Mbappé was “annoying,” Neymar was quick to dismiss the idea, describing their early relationship as close and supportive.
“No, he is not. We had a little fight, but he was fundamental for us when he arrived,” Neymar said. “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 him, talked to him. He came to my place, we had dinner together.”
However, Neymar acknowledged that the arrival of Lionel Messi in August 2021 shifted the dynamic. “After Messi came, [Mbappé] was a little jealous. He didn’t want to share me with anyone. Then there were some fights, a change in behavior,” he added.
The Impact of Egos at PSG
Neymar also addressed the challenges of managing big personalities within the PSG squad, hinting that inflated egos hindered the team’s performance in key matches.
“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.”
PSG’s ambitious pursuit of a maiden Champions League title has yet to bear fruit despite their star-studded lineup. Neymar suggested that the team’s struggles in big games were a result of these internal dynamics.
Neymar’s Future and Reactions from Former Teammates
Reflecting on his own future, Neymar hinted at the possibility of returning to Brazil after his contract with Al-Hilal expires later this year.
Meanwhile, neither Lionel Messi nor Kylian Mbappé has publicly responded to Neymar’s remarks. Mbappé joined Real Madrid earlier this season, while Messi left PSG for Inter Miami in 2023.
Neymar’s candid revelations offer a glimpse into the complexities of balancing egos and maintaining harmony in a team filled with superstars—a challenge that remains a defining aspect of modern football.
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