Former Brazil and Chelsea midfielder Oscar has announced his immediate retirement from professional football at the age of 34, citing persistent cardiac issues.
The decision comes after a health scare in November 2024, when Oscar collapsed during a routine fitness test at São Paulo’s training facility. Medical evaluations revealed he suffered from vasovagal syncope—a condition involving a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure that leads to fainting. After spending time in intensive care and undergoing months of observation, medical professionals advised that continuing his career would pose a significant risk to his health.
In a heartfelt statement, Oscar expressed his sadness at leaving the pitch sooner than planned. “I felt I still had the talent and the age to keep playing, but my health must come first,” he said. He confirmed that he has mutually terminated his contract with his boyhood club, São Paulo, which was originally set to run until late 2027.
A Look Back at a Global Career
Oscar’s retirement marks the end of an illustrious 18-year journey in world football:
- European Success: During five seasons at Chelsea, he became a fan favorite, winning two Premier League titles, a League Cup, and the UEFA Europa League.
- China Move: In 2017, he made headlines with a high-profile move to Shanghai Port, where he spent eight years and secured three Chinese Super League titles.
- International Duty: He earned 48 caps for Brazil, notably scoring in the 2014 World Cup and winning the 2013 Confederations Cup.
Oscar returned to São Paulo in early 2025 to finish his career where it began, but managed only 23 appearances before the diagnosis. He concluded his announcement by thanking fans and stating that he will now transition from a player to a lifelong supporter of the club.