Neymar labels time with Kylian Mbappé ‘hell’ as PSG’s Champions League hopes crumble

On paper, the attacking trio of Neymar, Kylian Mbappé, and Lionel Messi at Paris Saint-Germain was supposed to be unstoppable.

However, their tenure together ended in disappointment, with PSG crashing out of the Champions League in the round of 16 for two consecutive seasons. Expectations were sky-high, but the reality didn't match the dream.

While Neymar and Messi’s friendship blossomed, the relationship between Neymar and Mbappé was reportedly "hot and cold."

During a press conference in September 2022, Mbappé described his partnership with Neymar as inconsistent, and it now seems that the Brazilian star has added fuel to the fire.

According to French journalist Cyril Hanouna, Neymar recently opened up to his Brazilian compatriots at Real Madrid—Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, Eder Militão, and Endrick—about his troubled time playing with Mbappé.

Hanouna revealed on Europe 1 radio that Neymar described playing with Mbappé as "hell" and "catastrophic," even sending a message to the Brazilians at Real Madrid warning them about the French striker.

This revelation follows earlier reports that Mbappé had requested PSG to sell Neymar during the summer of 2022, although Neymar eventually moved to Saudi Pro League’s Al Hilal a year later.

Mbappé has also now left PSG, joining Real Madrid after his contract ended.

Despite the tension between Neymar and Mbappé, the two collaborated for 54 goals during their time at PSG. However, Neymar reportedly never enjoyed playing alongside the Frenchman.

Neymar’s departure in 2023 to Al Hilal marked the end of his PSG chapter, followed by Mbappé's move to Real Madrid.

While Messi, Neymar, and Mbappé’s partnership at PSG didn’t meet expectations, Mbappé has found his form at Real Madrid, scoring four goals in his first six games.

His recent performance, including a goal in a 2-0 victory over Real Sociedad, shows that the 25-year-old is beginning to thrive in his new environment, far from the drama of his Paris days.

As PSG’s former dream trio goes their separate ways, the "what could have been" narrative lingers over their time in Paris. Neymar's latest comments only add to the sense that, behind the scenes, things were far from perfect.