Dimitri Payet is accused of a catalogue of abuse against his mistress Larissa Ferrari, who claims the married ex-West Ham star subjected her to "physical, moral, psychological and sexual violence"
12:21, 19 Jun 2025Updated 12:22, 19 Jun 2025
Larissa Ferrari has accused former West Ham and France star Dimitri Payet of abuse during their affair
Larissa Ferrari has accused former West Ham and France star Dimitri Payet of abuse during their affair(Image: NX)
Former West Ham star Dimitri Payet is to go on trial over an alleged horrifying catalogue of abuse against a former lover.
Prosecutors in Brazil have overturned an earlier decision to archive the case and on June 17 charged the ex-Premier League midfielder, 38, with abuse. They allege Payet - a fan favourite at the Hammers during his two year spell in London from 2015 to 2017 - took advantage of his mistress Larissa Ferrari's vulnerability to draw her into a relationship that caused her "psychological and emotional harm".
Ferrari, 28, a lawyer, has claimed the married dad-of-four first contacted her on Instagram, but their romance turned into a disturbing catalogue of manipulation. The mum-of-two accused him of "physical, moral, psychological and sexual violence" during an intense seven-month affair, which ended three months ago, in March.
She said former France international Payet forced her to film degrading videos and even staged a fake wedding, making her wear a ring to "prove her love". Ferrari told police in Rio de Janeiro that the football star made her drink her own urine and water from the lavatory and lick the floor.
Prosecutors say ex-Marseille playmaker Payet - who had his contract terminated by Brazilian side Vasco da Gama earlier this month - caused emotional damage to Ferrari with "attitudes, insulting and degrading expressions, in addition to humiliation, manipulation and ridicule".
Larissa Ferrari and Dimitri Payet pictured together
Larissa Ferrari and Dimitri Payet pictured together(Image: NX)
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The star is accused of manipulating, humiliating and making Ferrari hide their affair, taking advantage of her psychological frailty.
In the case against the player, prosecutors demand his conviction and payment of moral damages, plus all of Ferrari's medical expenses for psychological treatment.
Payet, however, denies any wrongdoing and said photographs of alleged bruising on Ferrari's body had been caused by a sex session on hard wooden furniture.
His lawyer Sheila Lustoza said she was "surprised" by the revived charges but said the trial would "recognise my client's innocence".
Dimitri Payet was a fan favourite at West Ham before he forced a move back to Marseille
Dimitri Payet was a fan favourite at West Ham before he forced a move back to Marseille(Image: West Ham United via Getty Images)
Larissa Ferrari has accused Dimitri Payet of horrific abuse
Larissa Ferrari has accused Dimitri Payet of horrific abuse(Image: NX)
Ferrari's legal team celebrated the upcoming trial, due to come to court later this year.
They said in a statement: "This demonstrates that the authorities are attentive to the seriousness of the facts and willing to ensure that conduct harmful to the dignity of women does not go unpunished, regardless of the public projection of the accused."
Payet has four children with his wife of nearly 20 years, Ludivine, who remained in France after he joined Vasco da Gama in Rio de Janeiro in 2023.
Before that, he had six and a half years with Marseille, joining the French side for £25million following a successful 18-month run with West Ham.
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His latest club Vasco ripped up his two-year contract early this month, leaving Payet without a side.
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They wrote on social media: "Vasco da Gama announces that, in a friendly manner, it has reached an agreement to terminate the contract with midfielder Dimitri Payet early.
"The club thanks the athlete for the professionalism, dedication and respect demonstrated throughout his time at Sao Januario, and wishes him success in his next challenges."