Rumors of a rift between Kylian Mbappe and Neymar Jr. have been around for a while. But, was Mbappe so opposed to the idea of Neymar Jr. in Paris Saint-Germain that he wanted to fire him? Can Mbappe fire Neymar Jr.? These are questions that have been floated in the media in the past few months since Mbappe became an influential figure at the Parisian club.
The FIFA World Cup 2022 finalist Mbappe was certainly on his way to Real Madrid in the summer of 2022. A massive offer from PSG, however, made him change his mind. A bumper contract worth more than $650 million if he fulfills his time period of three years. The contract reportedly also provides him a say in the club’s sporting decisions including the signing of new players, coaches, and so on.
In his explanation to the media as to why he stayed back, he said this in May 2022, “Everybody knows I wanted to leave last year, and I was convinced that would be the best decision at that time. The years pass but they are different and the context is different now.”
“This is the country where I have grown up. I have always lived here, and leaving my country wasn’t the right thing. There is a sentimental aspect to his. The sporting project has changed as well. That made me want to stay because I don’t think my story is over yet,” he added.
According to the Spanish outlet OK Diario, Mbappe had kept three conditions to extend at PSG. Firstly, he wanted Neymar to leave the club. Secondly, he wanted Christophe Galtier replaced by Zinedine Zidane. And lastly, he wanted PSG to sign England striker Harry Kane.
Relationship between Kylian Mbappe and Neymar Jr
The relationship between the Frenchman and the Brazilian started out very well. Two of the most expensive signings in soccer history, Mbappe and Neymar were considered friends in their first few years at the club. However, it seems like frustration has set in between the two.
The frustration could be because both players want to be the leaders of the pack and they cannot settle. Their on-field rifts are there to be seen by all. The latest of which was early this season. Mbappe missed a penalty against Montpellier and Neymar removed him from penalty duty when they got the next one in the same game. Mbappe was visibly annoyed and showed his frustration.
Neymar even liked a tweet from a fan stating that Mbappe’s new contract makes him feel like an owner of the club. The rift has since not brought any new stories and Neymar is still a PSG player. As of now for the benefit of themselves and the club, these players have to co-exist.