Brazilian star Neymar da Silva is facing a new legal crisis that adds to his controversial record off the pitch, after a former cook who worked at his mansion in Rio de Janeiro filed a lawsuit against him, accusing him and the company that employed her of violating workers' rights and exposing her to serious physical and psychological harm.
Details of the lawsuit and the charges
According to the Portuguese newspaper Record, the woman who worked at Neymar's home between July of last year and February of this year has filed a formal complaint seeking financial compensation. The lawsuit is based on allegations that the cook was forced to work in inhumane conditions, with her working hours reaching approximately 16 hours a day without adequate rest periods, in addition to being responsible for preparing meals for up to 150 people daily.
Harsh working conditions and physical injuries
Legal reports related to the case indicated that the cook's official work schedule was from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but in reality, she was forced to work overtime, often until midnight, to meet the demands of the player and his numerous guests. The plaintiff's defense team pointed out that their client suffered from chronic health problems as a result of the strenuous physical work, which included carrying heavy pieces of meat weighing up to 10 kilograms, transporting large containers, and loading and unloading heavy supermarket purchases, all of which required her to stand for very long periods.
Neymar's record and legal issues: a recurring theme
This isn't the first time Neymar has faced legal trouble. The Brazilian star has a long history of legal battles throughout his professional career. He has previously faced complex investigations related to tax evasion in both Spain and Brazil, in addition to the thorny issues surrounding his transfer from Santos to Barcelona. Observers believe that the recurrence of such off-field crises could negatively impact the public image of a global player considered a role model for millions, and it also reignites the debate about the rights of domestic workers employed by celebrities and the wealthy.
Financial exploitation and demands
One of the most shocking aspects of the lawsuit concerns the details of her salary. Reports indicate that the cook's basic salary was only €654 per month, a meager sum considering the workload and responsibilities at the mansion of one of the world's richest footballers. Although her total earnings reached €1,200 after overtime, the defense argues that this amount does not cover the grueling work on weekends or the emotional distress she suffered. The cook is currently seeking approximately €43,000 in compensation to cover her medical expenses, unpaid wages, and other damages.
