He European transfer market The summer of 2017 marked a before and after in the history of Paris Saint-Germain when Neymar Jr. and Kylian Mbappé They came together as two of the most prominent million-dollar bets in world football. The objective was clear: win the UEFA Champions League and lead the PSG At the top. However, what began as a partnership full of promises and expectations ended in a relationship that frayed over time.
When Neymar landed in Paris, he had the firm intention of being the leader and the undisputed protagonist of the team. However, the meteoric emergence of a young Mbappé changed the course of history. The Frenchman’s talent not only won the hearts of the fans, but also earned the attention of managers and the press.
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Within the field of play, tensions began to manifest. One of the most iconic moments that revealed the conflict between the two was when Mbappé prevented Neymar from taking a penalty against Montpellier in August 2022. The outcome was not what was expected, since the Frenchman missed the maximum penalty.
Messi’s arrival at PSG ended up aggravating the relationship. Neymar learned that Mbappé wanted him out of the club as a condition of renewing his contract. Finally, this summer, Neymar opted for a new destination and joined Al Hilal in the Saudi League, an offer he could not refuse.
The definitive breakup?
However, signs of the distance between Neymar and Mbappé have only increased. The latest clue to their deteriorating relationship came through social media, a modern reflection of the tensions in the world of football. Both players have unfollowed each other on Instagram, an action that does not go unnoticed by users.
It is not the first time that this distancing has manifested itself publicly on the networks. After Neymar’s departure from PSG, the Brazilian ‘liked’ a post on Instagram that highlighted that Mbappé had returned to training the same day he announced his departure from the club.
The story between Neymar Jr. and Kylian Mbappé at PSG has been a roller coaster of emotions and expectations. What began as a shared dream turned into a strained relationship and, ultimately, a separation that appears to have left open wounds. Time will tell if they can ever reconcile.
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