Neymar ranks Paris Saint-Germain years above Barcelona spell for individual impact

Neymar says his best period as an individual player came at Paris Saint-Germain, despite the success and enduring memories he shared with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at Barcelona.

The Brazilian forward’s comments are likely to surprise Barcelona supporters, who still look back fondly on the team managed by Luis Enrique and the celebrated MSN attack. Neymar, Messi and Suarez formed one of football’s most formidable attacking combinations during his four seasons at Camp Nou.

That partnership helped Barcelona win the treble, including the UEFA Champions League in 2015 under Luis Enrique. Neymar’s time in Catalonia also established him as one of Europe’s most creative forwards, and arguably the best player in that position behind Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

However, when comparing his performances for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, Neymar put his personal development in France ahead of the collective achievements he enjoyed in Spain.

“I know people remember my time at Barcelona with MSN, but as a player, my best period was at Paris Saint-Germain, where I felt stronger, faster and more intelligent,” Neymar said during a conversation with content creator Davo Zineiz, as reported by Sport.

The remarks reflect Neymar’s view that his individual level was higher during his time in Paris, even though his Barcelona career included some of the most memorable moments of his time alongside Messi and Suarez at Camp Nou.

Neymar joined Barcelona’s attack during a period in which the club achieved major domestic and European success. His combination with Messi and Suarez became central to the side’s attacking identity, while his performances helped confirm his status as one of the world’s leading forwards.

His comments have nevertheless added to the debate surrounding the two stages of his career, particularly because the Barcelona years remain closely associated with the MSN trio and the club’s 2015 Champions League triumph.

During the same conversation, Neymar also indicated that he would prefer to devote himself completely to life after retirement. He added that he does not particularly enjoy watching football matches.