Former Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar has opened up about his tumultuous departure from the French champions, revealing disturbing confrontations with fans and lingering resentment toward club management. Speaking candidly to RMC Sport, the Brazilian superstar detailed how supporters “crossed the line” in their treatment of both him and teammate Lionel Messi during their final seasons in Paris.
The world’s most expensive footballer, who joined Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal in 2023, painted a stark contrast between his early days in Paris and the bitter end to his six-year tenure. The first year was magnificent, I was very well received by the French people and supporters,” Neymar reflected, before describing how the relationship deteriorated dramatically in his final seasons.
Most alarming were his revelations about fan behavior that extended beyond the stadium, with supporters attempting to invade his home and threatening physical violence. For me, they crossed the line,” Neymar stated, expressing particular dismay at the personal nature of the attacks despite his continued professional commitment to the club.
The Brazilian’s record-breaking €222 million transfer from Barcelona in 2017 initially promised to transform PSG into Europe’s dominant force. His debut season showed immense promise with 28 goals, but subsequent campaigns saw a gradual decline in both performance and fan support. The deterioration of his relationship with supporters mirrored a similar pattern experienced by his former Barcelona teammate Messi.
Despite the bitter end to his PSG career, Neymar maintained a diplomatic tone regarding the club itself, drawing a clear distinction between his feelings toward the institution and certain individuals within it. I respect the PSG club and I will always support them so that they have the best results,” he affirmed, while acknowledging his “resentment towards people who manage the club and some supporters.
The 32-year-old’s reflections on his time in Paris revealed a complex legacy. While celebrating what he considers the best football of his career, Neymar expressed sadness that his relationship with fans would ultimately become part of the “sad moments” of his tenure. This dichotomy between sporting achievement and personal treatment appears to have left a lasting impact on the Brazilian star.
His move to Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia marked the end of an era that perhaps never fully delivered on its initial promise. The transfer, coming after years of declining influence at PSG, represented a significant shift for a player once considered among football’s greatest talents. Currently recovering from injuries that have limited his playing time, Neymar faces the challenge of rebuilding his career in a new environment.
The timing of these revelations adds another layer to the ongoing narrative of PSG’s complicated relationship with its superstar players. As the club continues its pursuit of European success, Neymar’s comments highlight the pressures and expectations that come with being a high-profile signing at one of football’s wealthiest clubs.
Looking ahead, Neymar’s focus turns to his recovery and potential return to action for Al-Hilal in January’s King Cup of Champions quarter-final against Al-Ittihad. Meanwhile, his candid interview serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics between modern football’s biggest stars and the passionate fan bases they both serve and sometimes clash with.
The Brazilian’s story at PSG ultimately became a cautionary tale about the volatile nature of fan relationships in modern football, where record transfer fees and high expectations can quickly transform adoration into animosity. His experience underscores the delicate balance between sporting achievement and public perception in contemporary football’s pressure-cooker environment.
