In mid-2023, in Paris, Luis Campos, sporting advisor of Paris Saint-Germain, disclosed details of a candid conversation between coach Luis Enrique and Neymar, which marked the Brazilian star’s departure to Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia. The talk took place shortly after Enrique’s arrival at the club for the 2023/24 season, as he aimed to reshape the squad to align with a collective playing philosophy. Neymar, recovering from a serious injury from the previous season, was told by the coach, with whom he had worked at Barcelona, that his exit would benefit the PSG’s new project, leading to his transfer to the Saudi club in August. Campos’ revelation highlights Enrique’s straightforward approach, prioritizing meritocracy and training performance, paving the way for the club’s Champions League triumph the following season.
Enrique’s decision reflected his vision to transform PSG into a cohesive team, moving away from reliance on individual stars. Neymar, signed in 2017 for 222 million euros, faced criticism for injuries and inconsistent performances. The conversation with the coach was a turning point, accelerating his move to Al-Hilal. Campos emphasized that Neymar’s departure allowed space for new talents like Ousmane Dembélé, who shone in the club’s victorious campaign.
- Neymar’s transfer: 90 million euros paid by Al-Hilal.
- Goals at PSG: 118 in 173 official matches.
- Pre-exit injury: ankle ligament rupture, six-month recovery.
- Titles with PSG: five Ligue 1 and four French Cups.
- Enrique’s philosophy: lineups based on weekly training, not names.
Luis Enrique’s new tactical approach
Luis Enrique took over PSG in July 2023 with the mission to overhaul the squad and implement a style focused on intensity and teamwork. Unlike previous managements that leaned on stars like Neymar, Messi, and Mbappé, the Spanish coach prioritized players in top physical and tactical form. His conversation with Neymar set the tone, signaling no one had a guaranteed spot.
The coach, who previously managed Neymar at Barcelona, drew on his experience to be clear about expectations. He explained that PSG needed a unified group to compete at the highest level in the Champions League, where the club had historically faltered. Neymar’s exit enabled investments in players like Dembélé, signed for 50 million euros, and gave room to youngsters like Warren Zaïre-Emery.
The overhaul brought immediate results, with PSG winning Ligue 1 with 26 victories in 38 matches and advancing in the national cup. Enrique introduced stronger defensive pressing, cutting goals conceded by 35% compared to the previous season.
🚨🎙️| Luis Campos speaks on Neymar’s departure from PSG:
— PSG Report (@PSG_Report) September 15, 2025
“Luis Enrique asked Neymar to leave the club, his philosophy is about playing football in a different way, playing collectively, rewarding players who perform the best in training during the week." @RMCsport pic.twitter.com/ALexiYRo5m
Shared history at Barcelona
Neymar and Luis Enrique worked together at Barcelona from 2014 to 2017, a period of historic achievements. The Brazilian was key in the 2014/15 Treble, scoring 10 goals in the Champions League, including one in the final against Juventus. The MSN trio, with Messi and Suárez, set records with 122 goals in the 2014/15 season.
Despite the successes, tensions arose, with Neymar questioning Enrique’s tactical substitutions. The coach, known for intense training, demanded full commitment, a dynamic that resurfaced in their 2023 PSG talk. At Barcelona, Neymar scored 105 goals in 186 matches and won 17 titles, including two La Ligas.
- Barcelona achievements: 2015 Champions League, Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup.
- Neymar’s Champions League goals in 2014/15: 10, tournament’s second-top scorer.
- Assists: 45 under Enrique’s management.
- Tactics used: Neymar as winger or false 9 in key matches.
- Memorable moments: goal against Bayern in the 2015 Champions League semifinal.
Impact of Neymar’s departure
Neymar’s transfer to Al-Hilal, for 90 million euros, was finalized swiftly after Enrique’s talk. The Saudi club offered a 100-million-euro annual salary, drawing the 31-year-old to a new challenge. For PSG, the sale eased financial pressures, enabling strategic signings and greater squad balance.
At Al-Hilal, Neymar debuted in August 2023 but a muscle injury limited his early participation. He joined stars like Benzema, aiming to boost the Saudi league. His departure was seen as the end of his elite European career, sparking debates among fans.
PSG found stability without Neymar. Enrique made Dembélé the offensive leader, with the Frenchman scoring 22 goals in the 2023/24 Ligue 1. The Champions League, won in 2024, came with a 4-1 thrashing of Bayern in the final, cementing the new philosophy.
Dembélé’s rise in the new PSG
Ousmane Dembélé emerged as a star after Enrique’s overhaul. Signed from Barcelona for 50 million euros, the Frenchman overcame injuries and criticism, recording 30 goal contributions in the 2023/24 season. Campos championed his Ballon d’Or candidacy, highlighting his 12 goals and 10 assists in the Champions League.
Dembélé adapted to Enrique’s system, playing as a right-winger or attacking midfielder. His speed and dribbling were pivotal in knockout games, like the quarterfinals against Real Madrid. He also improved defensively, pressing opponents and recovering balls.
Campos compared Dembélé to icons like Ronaldinho, stating his season was flawless. The Ballon d’Or nomination gained traction in the French media, with PSG promoting his campaign at events.
- Dembélé’s stats: 22 goals and 15 assists in Ligue 1 2023/24.
- Champions League contributions: 12 goals and 10 assists.
- Starts: 40 out of 42 possible matches in the season.
- Successful dribbles: Ligue 1 leader with 180.
- Recognition: nominated for UEFA’s best player award.
Consolidation of Enrique’s project
PSG’s success under Luis Enrique validated Neymar’s exit. The 2023/24 season brought the club’s first Champions League, with convincing wins over Manchester City and Bayern. The Parc des Princes became nearly impregnable, with 18 victories in 19 home games.
Enrique promoted youngsters like João Neves, signed for 60 million euros, and Vitinha, who anchored the midfield. The squad’s average age dropped to 24, ensuring longevity. Ligue 1 was dominated with an 80% win rate, and the French Super Cup came with a rout.
Enrique’s approach, centered on intense training and merit-based lineups, turned PSG into a tactical machine. Campos noted that the talk with Neymar was just the start of a process prioritizing the collective, yielding eight trophies in two years.
