The Paris That Never Was: Richarlison Opens Up on PSG Pursuits and the Neymar Bond

For Richarlison, the dream of wearing the Paris Saint-Germain colors was more than just a fleeting thought; it was a recurring conversation and a tangible possibility. In a candid interview with France Football, the Tottenham Hotspur forward revealed that he was frequently on the radar of the French giants, specifically as a potential replacement for Kylian Mbappé.

The Brazilian attacker, who has netted nine goals this season in the Premier League, admitted that the lure of Paris was strengthened by the presence of his national team teammates. For Richarlison, the opportunity to link up with Neymar in a club setting represented a “dream” scenario that ultimately remained out of reach.

“I had contacts with PSG on several occasions,” Richarlison explained. “Every time Mbappé was on the way out, they (the directors) approached me.” The pursuit reached a level of seriousness that went beyond phone calls, with the player noting that his representative actually traveled to Paris to hold discussions within the club’s offices.

A Brazilian Connection in the City of Light

The motivation to move to Ligue 1 was deeply rooted in the chemistry of the Brazil national team. Richarlison disclosed that he and Neymar frequently discussed the possibility of playing together during Seleção gatherings. The prospect of forming a Brazilian nucleus in Paris was a primary driver for his interest.

“I wanted to head there,” the 28-year-old striker said. “It would have been incredible to play in Paris with him and the other Brazilians.” Despite the mutual interest and the administrative overtures, the move never materialized, a result the forward described as “unfortunate.”

This desire to be near his compatriots extends beyond the pitch and into the ink on his skin. Richarlison carries a massive tribute on his back—a tattoo featuring the faces of Ronaldo Nazário and Neymar superimposed alongside his own image and the Brazilian flag. He also included a dedicated phrase from the legendary Pelé, who once told him that he had “made Brazil smile.”

The Tattoo Tension: Love and $32,000

While Richarlison maintains a deep affection for Neymar—stating he loves him “from the bottom of my heart”—the relationship has not been without its reported frictions. The very tattoo intended as a tribute became a point of contention.

According to reports from The Express, citing Globo Sport, Neymar was not impressed by the ink. The reports claim that the PSG star went as far as blocking the striker on Instagram and sending him $32,000 specifically to have his face removed from Richarlison’s back.

This reported clash stands in stark contrast to the public admiration Richarlison expresses. The striker’s tattoo was a way to enshrine his own rise alongside national greats, particularly following his standout performances at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. During that tournament, Richarlison scored three times, including a stunning scissor-kick against Serbia that was officially named Goal of the Tournament.

From Nova Venécia to North London

Richarlison’s journey to the top of the European game is a testament to a steady climb through the ranks. Born on May 10, 1997, in Nova Venécia, Espírito Santo, the forward began his professional trajectory with América Mineiro in 2015, helping the club secure promotion from the Campeonato Brasileiro Série B.

His clinical nature in front of goal soon took him to Fluminense, where he earned a spot in the Team of the Season after the club finished as runners-up in the 2017 Campeonato Carioca. This performance paved the way for his move to England, starting with a stint at Watford before becoming a focal point of the attack at Everton between 2018 and 2022.

In 2022, he made the move to Tottenham Hotspur, where he currently wears the number 9 shirt. His international resume is equally decorated, including a 2019 Copa América title and a gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

For global fans, the “what if” of a Richarlison-Neymar partnership in Paris remains a fascinating footnote in recent transfer history. While the move never happened, the striker’s current form in London—highlighted by his nine goals this season—suggests he has found a way to make his mark without the Parisian lights.

Richarlison continues to lead the line for Tottenham Hotspur as they navigate their current campaign in the Premier League.

What do you consider about Richarlison’s admission? Would he have flourished in Paris alongside Neymar? Let us know in the comments.