Neymar chef lawsuit emerges as a former personal cook claims gruelling hours, denied breaks and injuries while working at the footballer’s Rio estate

Brazilian football star Neymar is facing a lawsuit from a former personal chef who alleges that she endured exhausting working conditions at the player’s estate that resulted in lasting physical injuries.

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According to reports by GOAL, citing Brazilian news outlet Metrópoles, the chef claims she was required to prepare meals not only for Neymar but also for an entourage of as many as 150 friends and associates who frequently gathered at the footballer’s mansion in Mangaratiba, near Rio de Janeiro.

Court documents reportedly state that the scale of the task forced the employee into 16-hour shifts, significantly exceeding the working hours outlined in her contract.

Under the original terms of employment, the chef was expected to work from 7am to 5pm between Monday and Thursday, and from 7am to 4pm on Fridays.

However, she alleged that the schedule often stretched until 11pm or midnight, including weekends, with little opportunity for rest.

According to the legal filing, the chef was also denied her legally mandated lunch break despite being required to formally clock in for it.

“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 legal team was quoted as saying.

The lawsuit further claims that the intense physical demands of the role caused serious health problems.

The chef reportedly had to carry 10kg portions of meat and transport heavy supermarket bags during extended shifts, activities she says led to back problems and hip inflammation.

The legal complaint argues that the long hours spent standing without adequate breaks significantly worsened these conditions.

The claimant, who earned approximately £1,065 per month, is seeking £37,544 in compensation, covering severance pay, unpaid overtime, fines, medical treatment and damages linked to the alleged denial of rest periods.

At the time of the report, Neymar chef lawsuit allegations had not received a direct response from the footballer. Local media reported that the player declined to comment when approached.

The 33-year-old forward, currently playing for Santos FC and pushing for a place in Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil national football team squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has yet to issue an official statement regarding the claims.