On a Paris night when Neymar first wore the yellow away shirt against Guingamp, the Brazilian seemed to bring the ball under a private spell. He scored, created another goal and offered an early glimpse of the talent Paris Saint-Germain had bought for a world-record fee. Years later, Neymar has named that chapter as the peak of his career.
Paris named as Neymar’s finest period
In a video released on Friday, the former PSG forward said he believes his strongest version emerged after his 2017 move from Barcelona.
- Neymar joined Paris Saint-Germain in August 2017 for €222 million.
- The deal remains the highest transfer fee ever paid in football.
- He spent six years with the French club, scoring 118 goals in 173 appearances.
- His first Ligue 1 outing for PSG, against Guingamp, included a goal and an assist.
“My best spell was at Paris Saint-Germain, from the moment I arrived,” Neymar said. “I know people remember Barcelona, the MSN partnership and everything we achieved there, but I believe the best Neymar was seen at PSG.”
Physical peak at the Parc des Princes
Neymar arrived in the French capital at 25, convinced that his physical and technical powers had come together at the right moment. He said he had strength, speed and a sharper understanding of every area of the pitch during his Paris years.
It was a period of extremes for PSG. Neymar helped the club collect French league titles, while repeated injuries and Champions League disappointments prevented his side from delivering the European trophy the project had pursued.
“I had power, pace and intelligence there,” he said. “I could understand every detail of the field. For me, those were my best years.”
Barcelona glory and Paris frustration
The Brazilian acknowledged the weight of his Barcelona legacy, where he formed the celebrated attacking trio with Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez. The three led Barcelona to the 2015 Champions League, with Neymar playing a central role in that triumph.
- At Barcelona, Neymar won La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup.
- He also lifted the Champions League in 2015.
- Despite his individual impact in Paris, PSG did not win the Champions League during his six-season stay.
Neymar left for Al-Hilal in August 2023 in a €90 million transfer. Two years later, under Luis Enrique, PSG finally secured the European crown that had eluded them throughout the Brazilian’s time at the club.
