Brazilian football star Neymar is facing a legal challenge from a former personal chef who alleges that her time working at his Rio de Janeiro property caused her serious physical injuries due to excessive working conditions, reports football website GOAL.
According to GOAL, which referenced Brazilian outlet Metropoles after reviewing court documents, the chef was responsible for preparing meals not only for Neymar but also for a large group of up to 150 friends and associates. This immense workload reportedly forced her into shifts far longer than what her employment contract allowed.
Her original agreement stipulated work hours from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays. However, she claims she was often required to work until 11 p.m. or midnight, including weekends, without being permitted proper breaks. Court papers indicate that she was even asked to clock in for her lunch break while continuing to work.
GOAL cited her legal team as saying, “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.”
The chef alleges that the demanding nature of the role left her with lasting health issues. Tasks such as lifting 10kg portions of meat and carrying heavy supermarket bags over long shifts reportedly caused back problems and hip inflammation. She claims these conditions are directly tied to her work at Neymar’s Mangaratiba estate.
Her employment, which earned her roughly £1,065 per month, is now the subject of a lawsuit seeking £37,544 in compensation. The claim covers severance pay, fines, unpaid overtime, medical expenses related to her injuries, and damages for the denial of legally mandated rest periods.
Neymar, who is aiming to secure a spot in Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad for the 2026 World Cup, has not publicly commented on the allegations, according to GOAL.
The case has drawn attention to the treatment of domestic staff in high-profile households and underscores the potential legal consequences when employment agreements are allegedly violated.
