Neymar Hints at Jealousy Between Messi and Mbappe

Brazilian superstar Neymar has lifted the lid on the dynamics within Paris Saint-Germain during his time there, revealing that Kylian Mbappe grew “a little jealous” after Lionel Messi joined the French giants in 2021. Speaking on a podcast hosted by fellow Brazilian World Cup winner Romário, Neymar opened up about the struggles, egos, and camaraderie that defined his years at PSG.

Neymar on Mbappe and Messi

During the candid conversation, Neymar addressed Mbappe’s behavior after Messi’s high-profile move to PSG from Barcelona on a free transfer. The Brazilian, who now plies his trade with Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, admitted that the French striker’s jealousy created friction.

“I used to call him the golden boy,” Neymar said, dismissing any notion that Mbappe was outright “annoying.” “He was fundamental when he arrived. We had great years together, but when Messi came, things changed. He didn’t want to share me with anyone. There were some fights and a shift in behavior.”

Mbappe, who joined PSG from Monaco in 2017 alongside Neymar’s record-breaking transfer from Barcelona, was initially part of a trio the club hoped would deliver their elusive Champions League title. However, Neymar hinted that personal egos frequently got in the way of collective success.

Egos at PSG

While Neymar stopped short of naming names, he addressed the broader challenge of managing big personalities in the dressing room.

“Egos are fine—they’re good in a way—but you have to know you don’t play alone,” he explained. “There needs to be someone next to you, running and helping. If nobody works together, it’s impossible to win anything.” PSG, despite its star-studded squads over the years, has often struggled to convert domestic dominance into European glory.

Mbappe left PSG for Real Madrid this season, seeking a fresh start in Spain after years of speculation about his future. Meanwhile, Neymar’s journey has taken a different turn. Plagued by injuries, the 32-year-old has endured a challenging stint with Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League.

Reports from ESPN suggest that Neymar could be on the radar of three MLS teams, including a reunion with Messi at Inter Miami, as his time in Saudi Arabia comes into question.