Neymar Dragged To Court By Ex-Chef Over Alleged Gruelling Work Conditions And Unpaid Overtime
Brazilian football star Neymar is facing legal action from a former personal chef who claims she was subjected to extremely demanding working conditions while employed at his mansion in Rio de Janeiro. According to reports by football outlet GOAL, citing Brazilian news platform Metropoles, the chef alleged in court documents that her responsibilities went far beyond cooking for the Santos and Brazil forward. She said she was often required to prepare meals for a large number of guests, sometimes catering for as many as 150 people made up of Neymar’s friends and associates. The lawsuit claims that the heavy workload forced her to work far longer hours than what was originally agreed in her contract. Her employment terms reportedly required her to work from 7am to 5pm between Monday and Thursday, and from 7am to 4pm on Fridays. However, she alleged that her shifts frequently extended late into the night, sometimes until 11pm or midnight, and that she was also made to work on weekends. The chef further claimed she was routinely denied the lunch breaks she was entitled to, saying she was instructed to clock in for the break even while she continued working. “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.” She also alleged that the physical strain of the job caused serious health problems. According to her claims, repeatedly lifting meat portions weighing about 10kg and carrying heavy grocery bags during long shifts led to back pain and hip inflammation. The former chef, who reportedly earned about £1,065 per month, is seeking £37,544 in compensation. The amount is said to cover unpaid overtime, severance pay, penalties, medical expenses for the injuries she claims to have sustained, and damages linked to the alleged denial of proper rest periods. Neymar has not commented publicly on the allegations. The Brazilian star is currently hoping to secure a place in Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
