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Kylian Mbappe has finally found his rhythm in LaLiga, scoring three goals in his last two games, including two from the penalty spot, as his career at Real Madrid takes off.
The Frenchman caused quite a stir when he was signed on a free transfer last summer, ending a long saga about when he would leave his former club Paris Saint-Germain and join Los Blancos in Spain.
While all eyes are now on him to thrive in a star-studded forward line that also includes Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, with support from Jude Bellingham in midfield, a former teammate was less than complimentary of the France national team captain, according to a report from France.
Neymar was part of another all-star attacking line at PSG alongside Mbappe, and Lionel Messi was also at the club at the time. However, Neymar has apparently told the current squad of Brazilian stars at the Santiago Bernabeu that it was “hell” playing alongside the younger member of that squad.
No real details are given as to why there was friction between the two, what effect it had on them, or whether Mbappe actually felt the same way. It is worth noting that Neymar’s words were attributed to him by a journalist and broadcaster in France.
“The Brazilians (at Real Madrid) are friends with Neymar,” Cyril Hanouna told Europe 1, according to the Mirror. “There has always been war between Neymar and Mbappe. Neymar sent a (note) to the Brazilians through Mbappe telling them that it was catastrophic, that it was hell.”
Whether it was a succession of head coaches failing to find the right mix that would bring the two players together in a way that would have helped PSG achieve European success, or simply a clash of egos that led to this ‘war’, it is clear that the two have since followed very different career paths.
Neymar left PSG for Saudi Arabia just over a year ago, but only played five games for Al Hilal before tearing his cruciate ligament and is currently sidelined for his recovery.
Mbappe, meanwhile, hopes to extend Real Madrid’s record-breaking haul of titles in the revamped Champions League this season while aiming for the Ballon d’Or, which Neymar was long considered the favourite to win but ultimately never won.
