Neymar says Mbappe's 'ego' led to jealousy after Messi's PSG arrival

Neymar shares insights into Mbappé’s jealousy of Messi, PSG's ego clash, and challenges of their star-studded trio.

Neymar Jr. has shed light on his time at Paris Saint-Germain F.C (PSG), revealing the underlying tensions within the team after Lionel Messi’s arrival.

Speaking on a podcast hosted by Brazil legend Romário, Neymar disclosed that Frenchman Kylian Mbappé experienced moments of jealousy towards Messi during their time together.

The Brazilian forward, considered one of the greats of his generation, joined PSG in 2017 for a world-record €222 million fee.  Around the same time, Mbappé also joined the team on loan from Monaco.

“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, he came to my place, we had dinner together.”

Over six years in Paris, Neymar formed a formidable partnership with Mbappé, with Messi joining in 2021 to complete one of the most star-studded attacking trios in football history.

Despite their domestic success, including multiple Ligue 1 titles, the team consistently fell short in the Champions League.

Neymar cited internal divides as a factor in their failures.

“Mbappé wasn’t annoying,” Neymar said. “We had our moments, but he was fundamental for the team. After Messi arrived, he became a bit jealous. He didn’t want to share me with anyone, and that led to some changes in behaviour.”

Reports of clashes between Neymar and Mbappé intensified during their final years together, including a well-publicised dispute over penalty duties in a 2022 Ligue 1 match against Montpellier. Neymar reflected on these tensions, pointing out the challenges of managing egos in a star-studded dressing room.

“It’s good to have egos, but you don’t play alone,” Neymar noted. “Big egos were everywhere. If nobody runs or helps, winning is impossible.”

Neymar, now with Saudi club Al-Hilal, concluded his PSG career with 118 goals and 77 assists in 173 appearances. However, the unresolved dynamics within the team and repeated European disappointments left a bittersweet legacy for one of football’s most talented trios.