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Neymar’s Complex Legacy at PSG

When Neymar transferred to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2017 for a staggering fee of €222 million (£200 million), it set a record that still stands today. This monumental move marked the Brazilian star’s shift from Barcelona to a high-stakes environment in the French capital.

During his tenure at PSG, Neymar often found himself in a more liberated role on the pitch, frequently transitioning to a central position that allowed him to orchestrate attacks and create scoring opportunities from deeper areas. His enhanced freedom in play mirrored the mounting commercial obligations he faced off the field.

Football journalist Guillem Balague noted, “His love for the game was taken from him in Paris; he became an industry.” Neymar’s contract reportedly allowed him to divide his time between training and commercial ventures, highlighting the dual pressures of performance and branding he endured.

This duality may have contributed to distractions impacting his training regimen. “He would play the PlayStation until three in the morning and wouldn’t be able to train properly,” Balague commented. However, despite such challenges, Neymar often managed to deliver stellar performances on matchdays.

Though Neymar helped PSG secure multiple domestic titles during his time with the club, the elusive European trophy remained out of reach. The closest they came was in 2020 when they lost 1-0 to Bayern Munich in the Champions League final, a match in which Neymar played the entire game.

Injuries and personal distractions largely defined Neymar’s experience at PSG, overshadowing the brilliance he occasionally displayed. The dynamic in the team became increasingly complicated with the arrivals of fellow superstars Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi, which added to the pressures on the Brazilian.

Reflecting on his relationship with Mbappé, Neymar said on a podcast with Brazilian football legend Romário, “I have my things with Kylian Mbappé. We fought a little, but he was fundamental for us. I always helped him, talked to him, but when Messi came, he got a little jealous.”

Neymar’s frustrations intensified due to ongoing injuries, culminating in a significant setback that sidelined him after his last game of the 2022-23 season, requiring ankle surgery that ended his campaign prematurely.

This period at PSG showcased the complexities of a player balancing immense talent and commercial pressures, ultimately leaving fans and analysts to ponder the true legacy of Neymar’s time in Paris.

Source
www.bbc.com