However, what was marketed as the ultimate attacking trio turned into a story of missed opportunities and internal friction. Neymar’s recent revelations about his time at PSG have shed light on why this star-studded lineup failed to achieve Champions League glory.

A Dream Team on Paper

When Lionel Messi joined Neymar and Kylian Mbappé at PSG in 2021, fans around the world were buzzing with excitement. It was a historic moment: three of football’s biggest stars united at one club. The trio boasted individual brilliance, backed by eye-watering weekly wages totaling £3.25 million. Their combined star power was expected to translate into dominance on the pitch.

But Neymar’s candid interview with Brazilian legend Romário reveals that the reality was far more complicated.

Neymar on Mbappé’s ‘Jealousy’ of Messi

Neymar, now playing for Saudi club Al-Hilal, didn’t hold back when discussing his relationship with Mbappé. According to Neymar, the dynamic shifted after Messi’s arrival, with Mbappé struggling to adapt to sharing the spotlight.

“He [Mbappé] was a golden boy when he arrived,” Neymar explained. “I supported him, helped him grow, and we had great years together. But when Messi came, things changed. Mbappé didn’t want to share. There was jealousy.”

This tension reportedly led to arguments and a shift in team chemistry, with the Brazilian star describing a “change in behavior” from Mbappé.

The Impact on PSG’s Ambitions

Despite their collective brilliance, the trio failed to deliver the one trophy that mattered most to PSG: the UEFA Champions League. Neymar suggested that the team’s internal issues—driven by ego clashes—made it impossible to achieve European success.

“Egos can be good, but only if managed properly,” Neymar said. “At PSG, there were too many egos and not enough teamwork. When no one wants to run or help, you can’t win.”

These comments point to deeper problems within the PSG dressing room. While the team consistently dominated Ligue 1, they often crumbled in high-stakes Champions League matches, notably suffering defeats to Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.

Key Moments of Conflict

One of the most talked-about incidents came during a Ligue 1 match against Montpellier in 2022, where Neymar and Mbappé clashed over who should take a penalty. The incident highlighted the simmering tensions between the two stars, which reportedly worsened with time.

PSG’s wage bill—already the highest ever seen in football—added fuel to the fire. With Messi earning £1.08 million per week, Mbappé £1.22 million, and Neymar £957,000, the financial pressure on the club was immense. Critics argued that the club’s spending created an atmosphere of entitlement rather than teamwork.

Neymar’s Reflections and What Could Have Been

Looking back, Neymar acknowledged that the trio’s lack of unity ultimately doomed their European campaign.

“We had the talent, but we didn’t have the balance. Success isn’t just about skill—it’s about working together. Unfortunately, we couldn’t find that harmony.”

For fans, the failure of PSG’s ‘dream team’ serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of assembling superstars without addressing team dynamics. Despite their brilliance, Neymar, Messi, and Mbappé never lived up to the hype as a unit.

What’s Next for Neymar, Messi, and Mbappé?

• Neymar: Now in Saudi Arabia, Neymar seemed to have found a fresh start at Al-Hilal, where he’s free from the pressures of Europe’s top leagues, but injuries have plagued his playing time so far, with reports claiming that his days at Al-Hilal are numbered.
• Messi: The Argentine legend has moved to Inter Miami, thriving in Major League Soccer and continuing to expand his global legacy.
• Mbappé: Moving to Real Madrid, Mbappé is fast becoming the centerpiece of the team.

As these three footballing icons move on with their careers, the PSG era will be remembered as a mix of brilliance and dysfunction. Neymar’s revelations add another layer to this fascinating chapter in football history—a tale of ambition, egos, and the challenges of building a truly united team.