Dimitri Payet, a well-known French footballer playing for Vasco da Gama, is under scrutiny following revelations of an alleged extramarital affair with Brazilian lawyer Larissa Ferrari. This affair reportedly began about seven months ago, approximately in August 2024, raising eyebrows particularly due to Payet's long-standing marriage of 18 years to his wife, Ludivine Payet.
The rumors surfaced on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, after purported conversations between Larissa and Payet were leaked on social media, leading to heightened public interest and media coverage. In response, Larissa took to her own social media channels to discuss her side of the story, emphasizing that her involvement with Payet was never about financial gain. "Never was it about money; I have no need for that. The last time I went to Rio, I traveled by bus," she clarified, attempting to debunk assumptions about her motives.
Larissa, a 28-year-old resident of Santa Catarina, claims to have initially met Payet through a fake social media profile he created. Their exchanges began in August of last year, becoming more personal and intimate when they met for the first time on September 13, 2024, at Payet's home in Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro. After a significant period of connection, Larissa ended her previous marriage and started frequently traveling to Rio to see Payet, spending three to four days at a time at his house.
Payet's wife and children have remained in France while the footballer has been living alone in Brazil. Throughout their relationship, Larissa stated that she and Payet had developed a strong bond, sharing many activities, including watching football matches together. However, the relationship has not been without its challenges. Larissa described experiencing jealousy, particularly upon discovering that Payet had been inviting other women to matches, leading to tensions between them.
Compounding these issues, a recent incident led Larissa to reassess the viability of their relationship. During a visit to Rio in March 2025, she experienced an anxiety attack and felt abandoned when Payet did not reach out to support her. "I traveled back to Rio, and he literally 'didn't care about me.' He was upset with me and didn't want to see me, which made me realize that this relationship might not be sustainable, even though I have strong feelings for him," Larissa expressed. This moment caused her to grapple with the future of their relationship critically.
As the news continues to develop, it raises significant questions about the consequences of infidelity and the challenges faced in relationships strained by distance and commitment. Dimitri Payet, who turned 37 on March 29, has faced his share of criticism, and while Larissa has made her intentions clear about facing the repercussions of her actions, it is Payet who will ultimately have to navigate the complex dynamics of both his personal and professional life.
Meanwhile, comments and speculation continue to circulate regarding Payet's career, especially with his contract with Vasco set to end on May 5, 2025. His performance has lately been underwhelming, contributing to discussions about his future with the club. Despite being a significant figure for Vasco, having joined the team in 2023, recent seasons have not yielded the results fans and management hoped for.
Larissa's involvement with Payet, starting during a challenging period in her life, has drawn attention not only to her personal life but also to the complexities of loyalty and love in the world of professional sports. As the saga unfolds, both players and fans watching closely will be intrigued to see how the story continues, particularly with many speculating about the long-term implications for both Payet and Larissa.
The world of football is never short of drama, and this latest affair serves as a reminder of the human elements often overshadowed by the game’s commercial success. For now, Dimitri and Larissa navigate this turbulent path, each facing the realities of their choices and the societal judgments that accompany them.
