Brazilian football player Neymar is being sued by a former personal chef who alleges she was subjected to harsh working conditions at his Rio de Janeiro mansion, resulting in long-term physical problems, according to football website GOAL.
According to GOAL on Saturday, which reported Brazilian source Metropoles as having seen the court paperwork, the chef was expected to cook meals daily not only for the Santos and Brazil forwards, but also for an entourage of up to 150 friends and acquaintances.
The size of the task allegedly forced her into 16-hour shifts, much above the hours specified in her initial contract, which required her to work from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday.
The chef said that under these conditions, she was consistently refused her legally required lunch break and frequently worked until 11 p.m. or midnight, including on weekends.
She had to clock in for the break even though she was still actively working, according to the court filings.
GOAL quoted the chef’s legal team as stating, “The claimant did not regularly enjoy a lunch break. Throughout the entire employment contract, the plaintiff was required by the defendant to clock in for the lunch break, even though she remained actively working during that period.”
Her health apparently suffered greatly as a result of the role’s physical demands. She stated that she developed hip inflammation and back issues as a result of hauling 10 kg chunks of meat and loading bulky grocery bags during long shifts. Her legal argument revolves around these requirements.
According to GOAL, the chef’s demanding job at the Mangaratiba house caused her to stand for long stretches of time without getting any sleep, which led to documented health problems that she directly blamed on her profession.
The chef, who was paid about £1,065 a month, is now requesting £37,544.
According to GOAL, the amount is meant to cover severance compensation, penalties, unpaid overtime, medical costs for any injuries experienced, and damages for not being able to take the required breaks while working.
When contacted by local media, Neymar, who is now vying for a spot in Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup, refuses to comment on the accusations, according to GOAL.
