Neymar shocks Barcelona fans: My best version was at Paris Saint-Germain

The Brazilian star Neymar has confirmed that his best periods in his football career were during his experience with Paris Saint-Germain, considering that he reached his highest technical and physical levels in the French capital, despite the great successes he achieved previously with FC Barcelona.

Neymar stated in an interview published by content creator Davo Zenizi: "For me, my best times were at Paris Saint-Germain, when I joined the club."

Speaking about his experience with FC Barcelona, where he formed a historic attacking trio alongside Argentine Lionel Messi and Uruguayan Luis Suárez, Neymar said: "I know that people remember my time at Barcelona, when I was part of the MSN trio, and everything I achieved with the team, but I believe the best version of Neymar appeared at Paris Saint-Germain."

The Brazilian star explained why he believes he delivered his best performances in the shirt of Paris Saint-Germain: "There, I had strength, speed, and intelligence, and I became capable of knowing all the details of the pitch. For me, that was my best period."

Neymar joined Paris Saint-Germain in August 2017 from FC Barcelona for €222 million, a deal that remains the most expensive in football history. During six seasons with the French team, he played 173 matches in various competitions, scoring 118 goals, and won several titles, most notably the Ligue des Champions, but he also suffered from recurring injuries and disappointments in the UEFA Champions League.

Neymar left Paris Saint-Germain in August 2023 to join Al-Hilal for around €90 million, before the French club succeeded in winning the UEFA Champions League for the first time in its history in 2025, two years after the Brazilian star's departure.