Brazilian football superstar Neymar Jr. is facing a fresh legal challenge as his former private chef has filed a lawsuit alleging inhumane working hours and physical injury. The case, which was first reported by the Brazilian media outlet Metrópoles, has cast a spotlight on the labour practices within the lavish estates of the world’s sporting elite.
Allegations of 16-Hour Workdays
The complainant, a female chef previously employed at Neymar’s luxury residence in Mangaratiba, Rio de Janeiro, alleges that she was subjected to a Gruelling schedule that far exceeded legal limits. According to her testimony provided to the Regional Labour Court of Rio de Janeiro, she was frequently required to work up to 16 hours a day without adequate rest.
The workload was reportedly exacerbated by the sheer scale of the household’s hospitality requirements. The chef claimed she was responsible for preparing meals for more than 150 people daily, a task that involved not only culinary expertise but also significant physical labour.
Physical Toll and Health Concerns
In her deposition, the chef detailed how the repetitive strain of the job has left her with chronic health issues. She cited the necessity of carrying heavy bulk items, such as large quantities of meat and industrial-sized cooking supplies, as the primary cause of her ailments. Medical examinations have reportedly confirmed that she suffers from persistent back pain and inflammation of the hip.
Beyond the physical injuries, the lawsuit highlights a lack of work-life balance, asserting that she was compelled to work through her weekly holidays without compensation or reprieve.
| Financial Detail | Amount in Brazilian Reals (BRL) | Equivalent in BDT (Approx.) |
| Basic Monthly Salary | 4,000 BRL | 93,238 BDT |
| Total Claimed (inc. Bonuses/Overtime) | 7,500 BRL | 174,000 BDT |
| Standard Daily Hours | 16 Hours | N/A |
Legal Proceedings and Maintenance Claims
The chef is seeking significant financial compensation, including maintenance allowances to cover her ongoing medical expenses and rehabilitation. Interestingly, the legal action is not solely directed at the Santos and former Al-Hilal forward; she has also named the third-party recruitment agency responsible for her placement in the suit.
Neymar’s legal team has yet to issue a formal rebuttal to the specific claims of labour exploitation. This case adds to a growing list of off-pitch distractions for the Brazilian icon, as the regional labour court prepares to deliberate on whether the employment conditions at the Mangaratiba estate violated the Brazilian Labour Code.