Former Chelsea FC and Brazil midfielder Oscar dos Santos Emboaba Júnior has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 34 after being diagnosed with a heart condition.
The experienced playmaker was hospitalised in November after falling ill during routine physical tests at São Paulo FC’s training facility. Medical examinations later revealed he had suffered vasovagal syncope, a condition that causes fainting due to a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure.
Following medical advice, Oscar has decided to step away from the game, bringing an end to a distinguished career that spanned multiple continents. The former Brazil international, who earned 48 caps, has also mutually terminated his contract with São Paulo, which had two years remaining.
“I wanted to do more for São Paulo, I wanted to play more. I think I had both the ability and the age to continue, but unfortunately, this happened,” Oscar said in a statement shared on social media.
“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 around the world,” he added.
Oscar also expressed gratitude to supporters during what he described as a difficult period.
“I’d like to thank everyone for their constant support, especially the São Paulo fans who have been with me since my return,” he noted.
The midfielder rose to prominence after joining Chelsea in July 2012, winning the UEFA Europa League in his debut season before playing a key role in the club’s Premier League and League Cup double in 2014/15.
He later moved to Shanghai Port FC in 2017, where he enjoyed a successful spell, winning three Chinese Super League titles. Oscar returned to São Paulo in January 2025 on a three-year deal, rejoining his boyhood club for the final chapter of his career.
