Former Chelsea FC and Brazil midfielder Oscar dos Santos Emboaba Júnior has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 34 following a heart condition diagnosis.
The Brazilian international was hospitalised in November after falling ill during routine physical testing at São Paulo FC’s training centre. Medical evaluations later revealed that he had suffered a case of vasovagal syncope, a condition that causes a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure, leading to fainting.
Although the condition is generally considered common and manageable, it raised significant concerns regarding his ability to continue playing at a professional level. As a result, Oscar has decided to bring his career to an early close, prioritising his long-term health.
The midfielder, who earned 48 caps for Brazil, also confirmed that he has terminated his contract with São Paulo, despite having two years remaining on his deal.
“I wanted to do more for São Paulo, I wanted to play more. I think I had both the footballing ability and the age to play more, but unfortunately, this happened,” he said in a statement shared on social media.
Reflecting on his career, Oscar expressed gratitude to fans and the club where his professional journey began. “Now I’m going to retire and continue supporting São Paulo, continuing my life as a fan. I’m ending my career here at São Paulo, a career that has taken me to many places, practically all over the world,” he added.
Oscar first rose to global prominence after joining Chelsea in July 2012, where he quickly became a key figure in midfield. During his time in England, he won the UEFA Europa League in his debut season and later secured a Premier League and League Cup double in the 2014–15 campaign. He made 203 appearances for the London club, scoring 38 goals before departing in January 2017.
His move to Shanghai Port FC marked a new chapter in his career, where he enjoyed considerable success in the Chinese Super League, winning three league titles and establishing himself as one of the league’s standout performers.
In January 2025, Oscar returned to São Paulo on a three-year deal, aiming to finish his career at his boyhood club. However, his plans were cut short by the recent health concerns, bringing an unexpected end to a career that spanned over a decade at the highest level.
Oscar’s retirement marks the conclusion of a remarkable journey that saw him compete across Europe, Asia, and South America, leaving behind a legacy defined by technical brilliance, vision, and consistency in midfield.
