Former Chelsea Premier League winner Oscar has been forced to bring his professional football career to a premature end after collapsing during training due to a heart condition. The Brazilian made the emotional announcement this weekend that his playing days were over on medical grounds.
The 34-year-old was hospitalised after falling ill at what proved to be his final club, Sao Paulo, during physical pre-season testing in November. It was subsequently confirmed that he had experienced vasovagal syncope — a common cause of fainting triggered by a sudden drop in blood pressure or heart rate.
Oscar was reportedly unconscious for two minutes and has since undergone surgery to address the condition. However, given the seriousness of the problem, he has been left with no option but to retire and has terminated his contract with Sao Paulo, which had been due to run until the end of 2027.
The former midfielder delivered the news via Sao Paulo's Instagram page in an emotional video message addressed to supporters of his boyhood club.
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He said: "I wanted to do more for Sao Paulo, I wanted to play more.
"I think I had both the footballing ability and the age to play more, but unfortunately this happened. Now I'm going to retire and continue supporting Sao Paulo, continuing my life as a fan.
"I'm ending my career here at Sao Paulo, a career that has taken me to many places, practically all over the world.
"I'd like to thank everyone for their constant support, all the Sao Paulo fans who have backed me since my return and during this difficult time I'm going through."
Oscar made his return to Sao Paulo in 2024 following a highly lucrative stint in China, during which he claimed three league titles with Shanghai Port.
Prior to his move to Asia, Oscar was a familiar face at Chelsea, where he spent four-and-a-half seasons in west London. During that time, he secured two Premier League titles (2014-15 and 2016-17), one Europa League (2012-13) and a League Cup (2014-15).
The former Brazil international also earned 48 caps for the Selecao, netting 12 goals over his five-year international career.
