Neymar Faces Legal Action from Personal Chef Over Alleged Labor Violations
Brazilian football star Neymar is being sued by his former personal chef, who claims she was subjected to grueling 16-hour workdays and required to prepare meals for up to 150 people daily. The chef, who worked for Neymar at his residence in Rio de Janeiro's Mangaratiba municipality, has filed a lawsuit seeking significant financial damages for alleged labor abuses and physical injuries sustained on the job.
Details of the Chef's Allegations
The chef alleges that her employment conditions were far more demanding than initially agreed upon. According to her contract, she was supposed to work from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays, and from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays. However, she claims she often worked until 11 p.m. or midnight, including on weekends, and was forced to skip her legally mandated lunch breaks.
The chef's duties reportedly involved cooking not only for Neymar but also for his extensive entourage of friends and associates, sometimes numbering up to 150 people. This massive workload, she asserts, led to severe physical strain.
Physical Injuries and Financial Claims
In the lawsuit, the chef details that she suffered back problems and hip inflammation due to the physically demanding nature of her work. Specific tasks cited include carrying pieces of meat weighing approximately 10 kilograms each and loading and unloading heavy bags.
Financially, the chef is seeking £37,544 (262,000 Brazilian reais) in damages. This amount covers severance payments, fines, overtime compensation, payment for missed breaks, medical expenses, and other related costs. During her employment, which lasted from July 2025 to February 2026, she was paid £1,065 per month (7,500 Brazilian reais).
Legal Proceedings and Broader Context
The lawsuit has been filed at the Regional Labor Court of the 1st Region in Brazil, with Brazilian outlet Metropoles reporting access to the court documents. Neymar's third-party employer, who hired the chef on his behalf, is also named as a defendant in the case. When approached by Brazilian media for comment, Neymar declined to address the situation.
This legal dispute comes as Neymar has recently returned to Brazil, following a challenging period playing in Saudi Arabia. He now resides in Rio de Janeiro, where he owns two villas, including the Casa Hotel Portobello where the chef worked. Last June, Neymar signed a contract extension with Santos, his boyhood club, which is estimated to earn him around £11.8 million this season, including a share of sponsorships and investments.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about labor practices in high-profile settings, particularly involving celebrities and their staff. It underscores the potential for exploitation in demanding personal service roles, where long hours and intense physical labor can lead to health issues and legal conflicts.
