Yesterday’s match at the Parc des Princes felt like an eternity for many players. The Parisian fans were relentless, directing their frustration toward the team with a barrage of whistles and chants. While a few players, such as Kylian Mbappé, were spared, Neymar bore the brunt of the criticism. Once the face of the QSI project before Mbappé’s rise, the Brazilian star once again failed too deliver against Real Madrid, leaving fans disheartened.
According to reports from L’Équipe,the hostile reception from the crowd left a deep impact within the team. Neymar, in particular, was visibly affected by the jeers, which is hardly surprising. Sources close to the player reveal that he expressed frustration over what he perceives as a lack of gratitude from the Parisian supporters.While he acknowledges their disappointment following the team’s elimination, he feels the reaction crossed the line into outright ingratitude.
Leadership Under Fire
This incident could play a meaningful role in shaping Neymar’s future decisions. The Brazilian has previously expressed a desire to return to Barcelona, and the current atmosphere in Paris may only strengthen that resolve. The chants and whistles didn’t just target the players; club president Nasser Al-Khelaïfi was also criticized, with many fans holding him accountable for the team’s recent struggles. While Al-Khelaïfi appears unfazed by the criticism, the same cannot be said for the club’s management, who were particularly displeased by the treatment of lionel Messi.
Internally, the club believes that fans fail to recognize the privilege of having a player of Messi’s caliber in their ranks. The tension within the squad is also palpable, with a growing divide between the French-speaking and Spanish-speaking factions becoming increasingly evident. as the fallout from the match continues, the days ahead look uncertain and challenging for everyone involved.