Draxler Reflects on PSG Challenges Amid Neymar and Mbappé’s Arrival

Julian Draxler’s journey at PSG: A mix of admiration and competition

**Julian Draxler**, who joined Paris Saint-Germain from Wolfsburg in 2016 for around €40 million, quickly made an impression during his initial six months, which he considers the best of his life. However, the landscape shifted dramatically in 2017 with the high-profile arrivals of **Neymar and Kylian Mbappé**.

**PSG’s ambitious signings** of Neymar for €222 million and Mbappé for €180 million intensified competition within the team, making it challenging for Draxler to secure his place. Despite these difficulties, his admiration for the club and its players remained strong.

Navigating a star-studded team

**Draxler expressed his admiration** for PSG’s ambition, describing it as a “crazy but magnificent” club. He noted the club’s unpredictability with major events occurring almost weekly, exemplified by the signings of Neymar and Mbappé. Participating in such a grand project provided him with pride and fulfillment, even as his role evolved.

In an interview, Draxler shared, “The first six months were perhaps the most beautiful of my life. It became more complicated with Neymar and Mbappé’s arrival. Playing alongside them was a pleasure and a dream come true for everyone.”

A club like no other

**Draxler’s love for PSG** was evident as he described it as a club full of surprises and stories, where boredom was never an option. He felt pride in wearing the PSG jersey and indulging in the style of play that brought joy on the field.

New chapters and fond memories

In September 2022, Draxler moved on loan to Benfica and later joined Al-Ahli in Qatar in 2023. Now at 31, he continues his career in the Middle East but cherishes the memories from his Parisian years, including the joy of playing with superstars and the challenges their presence brought.