The Brazilian has described his Paris Saint-Germain team-mate as a “phenomenon” and predicts he will scale even greater heights in the coming years
Paris Saint-Germain superstar Neymar says it is a “huge honour” for him to line up alongside Kylian Mbappe – a player he believes is capable of going down in history if he continues on his current trajectory.
Neymar and Mbappe both arrived at Parc des Princes in the summer of 2017, from Barcelona and Monaco respectively, becoming the two most expensive players of all-time after the latter’s move was made permanent in 2018.
Mbappe has hit 82 goals in 105 appearances for PSG, establishing himself as the brightest young prospect in European football while also helping France win the 2018 World Cup.
Neymar’s time in the French capital has been blighted by injuries and off-field issues, but he has still managed to score 66 goals in 73 outings across all competitions, and seems to be rediscovering his best form heading into the business end of the current season.
Thomas Tuchel’s men are on course for a third successive Ligue 1 crown and have also been tipped to secure a first European Cup success come June, with Neymar and Mbappe leading the charge.
The Brazilian playmaker opened up on his “understanding” with Mbappe during an interview with FIFA.com, and talked up the potential of his “phenomenal” team-mate.
“Kylian is a phenomenon. He has the potential to become one of the best players in history,” Neymar said.
“To have him as a team-mate is a huge honour. We understand one another very well on the pitch and off it too. I love him!”
When asked if the current PSG squad is the strongest he’s played in, Neymar responded: “I wouldn’t say the strongest, but I feel a different atmosphere and more confident, and this helps a lot day by day.”
The 28-year-old spent four years in Spain with Barcelona before moving to France, where he was able to witness the talents of six-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi up close.
Messi also picked up a FIFA Men’s Best Player award in 2019, an accolade which Neymar came close to winning in both 2015 and 2017.
The PSG star describes his former Camp Nou colleague as the greatest player of all-time, but he is not obsessed with emulating the Argentine’s success in terms of individual awards.
“Playing alongside Leo was a unique experience and we became friends,” Neymar said. “Of those I’ve seen play, Messi is the best in history!
“I’ve always said that winning The Best award isn’t an obsession, but I train hard every day to be better than the day before. I always try to evolve individually and collectively. If one day I win the award it will be the result of my work.”
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