Former cook takes Neymar to court for £37,500 in damages, citing excessive work hours and harm suffered

Brazilian football star Neymar is facing a lawsuit from a former personal chef who claims she was subjected to gruelling working conditions at his Rio de Janeiro estate, resulting in lasting physical injuries.

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According to reports, the chef was required to prepare meals daily for Neymar and an entourage of up to 150 friends and associates, forcing her into 16-hour shifts that far exceeded her contracted hours.

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Her original contract stipulated working hours from 7am to 5pm on Mondays to Thursdays and from 7am to 4pm on Fridays, but the chef alleged that she frequently worked until 11pm or midnight, including on weekends.

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Despite being required to clock in for her legally mandated lunch break, the chef claimed she was routinely denied this break and was forced to continue working, with her legal team stating that she did not regularly enjoy a lunch break.

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The physical demands of the role reportedly took a severe toll on her health, with the chef claiming that carrying meat portions weighing 10kg and loading heavy supermarket bags caused her to develop back problems and hip inflammation.

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These conditions, which were exacerbated by extended shifts without adequate rest, resulted in documented medical issues that the chef directly attributes to her duties at the Mangaratiba mansion.

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The chef, who earned approximately £1,065 per month, is now seeking £37,544 in total compensation to cover severance pay, fines, unpaid overtime, medical expenses, and damages for the denial of mandated rest periods.

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Neymar, who is currently pushing for a place in Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup, has declined to comment on the allegations when approached by local media.