Paris Saint-Germain has been electric in the club’s first three games of the season scoring 14 and conceding two. Despite the success, PSG has a clear ego problem between Kylian Mbappé and Neymar. So, why are Neymar and Mbappé fighting?
Neymar and Mbappé Feud
Two instances during PSG’s 5-2 victory vs. Montpellier are the focal point of the Neymar-Mbappé feud. Let’s look at what happened during Saturday’s game that has the media talking about PSG’s ego issues.
Instance No. 1: The Penalty Kicks
In the 21st minute, PSG was awarded a penalty that Mbappé stepped up to take. Montpellier goalkeeper Jonas Omlin denied the Frenchman with a diving save.
In the 43rd minute, PSG was given another penalty kick, however this time Neymar grabbed the ball and lined up to take the kick. Mbappé was visibly displeased about the Brazilian taking and then scoring said penalty kick.
Kylian Mbappe really had the audacity to ask Neymar to give him the second penalty after he he missed his first one
pic.twitter.com/DxFML8jxqf— LSPN FC (@LSPNFC_) August 14, 2022
NEYMAR MAKES IT 2-0!
Enjoy @PSG_English @MontpellierHSC live NOW on beIN SPORTS!#PSGMHSC | #Ligue1 pic.twitter.com/rrabcWvcEf— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) August 13, 2022
The penalty kick drama continued off the pitch after the final whistle. Neymar stirred the pot when he liked a tweet from a fan claiming that Mbappé’s new mega contract with PSG lets him be the penalty taker and “owner of PSG.”
View this post on Instagram
Yikes.
Instance No. 2: Mbappé Goes For A Walk
This next clip is the one that has gone viral. During a PSG counterattack, Portuguese midfielder Vitinha didn’t pass the ball to Mbappé, which resulted in the superstar throwing a temper tantrum right then and there.
Rather than sticking with the attack and potentially scoring, Mbappé threw his arms up in the air, walked away and gave up on the attack.
Mbappe walking after the ball doesn't get played to him, but instead the 7 time Bollon d'Or winner pic.twitter.com/JBW565tzIm
— Football Twats (@FootbaIITwats) August 15, 2022
Despite Mbappé scoring once in the game and Neymar bagging a brace, the tensions were high. Reports say veteran defender Sergio Ramos had to have an intervention between the two in the locker room after the game.
Sergio Ramos was forced to step in to separate feuding pair Kylian Mbappe and Neymar in Paris Saint-Germain's dressing room following their win over Montpellier https://t.co/aIfgNNFguQ
— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) August 16, 2022
Ramos really had to separate Neymar and Mbappe in the dressing room. Wow! France Football should just cancel the Ballon d’Or forever for peace's sake.
— BeksFCB (@Joshua_Ubeku) August 16, 2022
Saturday wasn't the first time Mbappé has been ignored on an attack.
Don't blame Mbappe for acting how he is acting. pic.twitter.com/2HhMk82BQH
— KALYJAY (@gyaigyimii) August 16, 2022
Then again, he hasn't always been lethal in front of goal.
u know nothingpic.twitter.com/8YDwKQGD4n
— Scott (@smurfdojoao) August 17, 2022
Other Rumors
One other popular talking point is Mbappé’s power at the club. It seemed all but certain he was going to transfer to Real Madrid this summer, however he was somehow persuaded to stay in Paris.
This has spawned the rumor that Mbappé has a huge amount of control at the club, and it was him who wanted to force Neymar out of PSG.
Kylian Mbappé and Neymar's issues at PSG are not simply because of penalty duties.
It's mainly because Mbappé asked the PSG hierarchy to sell Neymar, and Neymar found out about it.(Source: @Romain_Molina) pic.twitter.com/RN1fSE2nBu
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) August 14, 2022
Sources have told ESPN that Mbappe got annoyed last season at the liberties Neymar took in terms of his discipline.
While Neymar was equally surprised to hear about the power Mbappe was given as part of his new contract. pic.twitter.com/is1bdIHrvD— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) August 17, 2022
Neymar: Don’t pass to Mbappe, this mf wanted to sell me. pic.twitter.com/1Vk7y2wg4C
— Troll Football (@TrollFootball) August 16, 2022
Neymar’s past woes and poor seasons seem to be behind him. After three games in the 2022-23 season, he has scored five goals and added three assists. The club can’t get rid of him now, so it looks like the two superstars will have to find a way to coexist.
Meanwhile, Lionel Messi is stuck between the two just trying to get by and score some nice goals.
