From the moment Neymar and Kylian Mbappé became teammates at PSG, fans speculated: was this friendship destined to last, or was it a high-stakes relationship built on fragile balance? Over the years their bond has been described as both warm and strained, loyal and competitive. In this article, CantoKick dives into the real story—are Neymar and Mbappé still friends in 2025? Let’s examine their history, public statements, behind-the-scenes moments, and what the future may hold.
The Rise Of A Bromance
When Neymar joined PSG in 2017 and Mbappé followed soon after, the pairing appeared electric. Neymar, already a superstar, embraced the younger French talent. In early years:
- Neymar publicly offered mentorship, reportedly calling Mbappé “Golden Boy,” taking him under his wing, inviting him to dinners, and encouraging him in private conversations.
- Mbappé, for his part, spoke with respect of Neymar as a veteran, recognizing his influence and stature within the club.
- On the pitch, they delivered stellar attacking performances, combining pace, flair, and creativity. Their partnership was integral to PSG’s domestic dominance.
In interviews, Mbappé once described their dynamic as “hot and cold,” saying that in some moments they’d be best friends and in others speak less—but always maintain mutual respect. That honesty early on signals the fragile balance they walked.
This foundation of both camaraderie and competition laid the groundwork for tensions that would later emerge.
When Things Fractured: Messi’s Entry & Egos Clash
Many observers point to a turning point: the arrival of Lionel Messi at PSG in 2021. According to Neymar’s comments in a 2025 podcast interview:
“When Messi came, I think he [Mbappé] became a little jealous… He didn’t want to share me with anyone… That’s how the fights started, the change in behaviour.” lavip.com])
Neymar claims that prior to Messi’s arrival, the relationship was smoother. But once three global stars vied for influence and spotlight, underlying tension surfaced. Neymar said they “had a little fight” at some point, and that Mbappé’s attitude changed. lavip])
One public flashpoint: in a 2022 match vs Montpellier, Neymar took a second penalty after Mbappé missed the first. That incident was taken by many as a symbol of friction over roles and dominance.
Neymar also pointed to general egos as a problem:
“Having egos is beneficial, but you have to realize you don’t play by yourself.. if nobody runs and nobody helps, it is impossible to win anything.”
From Neymar’s perspective, the trio’s magnetic personalities undercut chemistry and harmony. With Messi’s arrival, the balance shifted; Mbappé no longer had exclusive space for his relationship with Neymar.
The Present: Distance, Respect, or Cold War?
So, after all these revelations, do Neymar and Mbappé remain friends today? The answer is nuanced—elements of respect persist, but warm friendship appears fractured.
Public Statements
- After Neymar’s candid podcast, Mbappé responded carefully: he said he preferred to “remember the good things” and affirmed respect for Neymar. He declined to engage in tit-for-tat narratives.
- When asked if he felt annoyed by Neymar’s comments, Mbappé stated: “No, he is not annoying… I’m focused on what I’m doing. I have a lot of respect for Neymar.” PSG Talk])
- But the tone is emotionally neutral, indicating distance more than hostility.
Social Media & Public Signals
- The two no longer follow each other. Some media reported that they “no longer follow each other on Instagram,” leading fans to speculate a dissolution of personal ties.
- Neymar reportedly sent messages to Real Madrid players, warning them about Mbappé’s temperament, labeling his experience with him as “hell” or “catastrophic” in press leaks. Such reports paint a bitter perspective.
Inside Narratives
- Neymar portrayed their relationship as deteriorated: “We had a bit of a fallout,” he said.
- On the other hand, voices close to Mbappé have defended him. One teammate at his new club reportedly claimed Mbappé is a “person of good character with no grudges,” challenging the narrative that he harbors deep hostility. hu.com])
Professional Trajectories
- In 2023 Neymar left PSG for Al Hilal, then in 2025 re-signed with Santos to revive his career.wikipedia.org])
- Mbappé moved to Real Madrid in 2024, solidifying his independence. edia])
- The separation of clubs also means fewer shared stages, less frequent interaction, and fewer opportunities for reconciliation—or breakdown.
Why Their Friendship Faded
To fully understand why Neymar and Mbappé are not as close, we must look at the forces that erode athlete friendships in elite football.
Competitive Ego & Status
When you assemble multiple superstars in one team, clash is inevitable. Neymar’s reflections suggest Mbappé struggled to “share” Neymar’s attention, especially after Messi’s arrival. That dynamic cultivates jealousy and rivalry.
Shifting roles & hierarchy
From younger protégé to peer, Mbappé’s evolving status may have changed how he viewed his relationship with Neymar. The initial mentor-mentee frame shifted, bringing different expectations.
Physical distance & changed contexts
Since they no longer play together, with Neymar in Brazil and Mbappé in Europe, opportunities to rebuild personal rapport vanish. Distance—physical and emotional—is a powerful wedge.
Media narratives & public statements
Each interview, remark, or leak intensifies tension. Neymar’s public disclosures, Mbappé’s silence, rumors about letters—all feed speculation and mistrust. In high-profile careers, the press amplifies schisms.
Could They Reconcile?
Is there hope for a reunion of friendship between Neymar and Mbappé? It’s not impossible—even distant relationships among elite players have occasionally been revived.
Possible pathways:
- A public act of reconciliation (joint message, respect shown in interviews) could soften the rift.
- A charity match, international team gathering, or mutual acquaintance might bridge the gap.
- Time often heals. As careers mature, personal rivalries may diminish in significance.
- Mutual respect—that still exists in their public statements—offers some foundation on which to rebuild.
However, given the depth of perceived wounds, any reconciliation would likely be cautious, diplomatic, and symbolic more than warm.
What Their Fans Should Take Away
- Fan speculation (“Are Neymar and Mbappé still friends?”) is natural—and the truth is complex. It’s not purely black or white.
- Their relationship is not a simple friend/enemy dichotomy. They may not be close now—but they aren’t openly hostile.
- Their story reflects a broader reality in football: friendships among stars often face external pressures—status, media, ego, competition.
- Regardless of personal bond, both have shifted focus toward their individual legacies and next chapters.
Conclusion
Are Neymar And Mbappé Still Friends? The honest answer: not in the way they once were. Their rapport has cooled, transformed by jealousy, shifting power, public statements, and distance. But respect remains a lingering thread—Mbappé speaks of former memories, Neymar acknowledges the good times and confronts the tensions.
CantoKick invites you to share your thoughts: do you believe they can reconcile? Do you see this as a cautionary tale of ego in football? Comment below, follow us for more deep dives into star relationships, and keep returning when you want clarity on the stories behind the headlines.
