Former Chelsea and Brazil playmaker Oscar has been forced to hang up his boots at the age of 34 following a frightening medical emergency.
The midfielder, who was recently playing for his boyhood club São Paulo, confirmed the news after a serious heart scare left him fighting for his life during a routine training session.
Oscar’s decision stems from a harrowing incident that occurred during pre-season testing at the São Paulo training complex, where the midfielder lost consciousness while performing a stress test on a stationary bicycle. What was initially feared to be a standard fainting spell turned out to be far more grave; medical staff had to perform emergency life-saving measures on the 34-year-old.
Oscar opened up about the gravity of the situation in a video released by the club, revealing that the medical emergency was a matter of life and death.
Regarding the incident, he stated: “My heart stopped for two minutes, two and a half minutes. I took the test, ended up fainting, my blood pressure kept dropping, and my heart was stopping. They performed cardiac massage. I only remember fainting.”
The diagnosis was later confirmed as vasovagal syncope, a condition that has ultimately made it impossible for him to continue competing at the highest level of the sport.
Oscar’s health has forced him to end his São Paulo contract, which was set to run until December 2027. Both parties reached a mutual agreement to terminate the deal, involving a settlement of approximately €1.7 million.
Reflecting on his premature exit, an emotional Oscar expressed his regret at not being able to give more to the *Tricolor* supporters.
He said: “It’s difficult because I wanted to do more for São Paulo; I wanted to play more. I had the football in me and the right age, and I could have kept going, but unfortunately, this happened. Now I will retire and continue as a supporter. I’ll move on with my life as a fan.”
He leaves the club having made 37 appearances across two separate spells, scoring twice and providing seven assists during his time in the first team.
In his retirement message, he acknowledged the journey he has taken: “I am finishing my career here at São Paulo, a journey that has taken me to many places, practically across the world. I want to thank everyone for their constant affection, especially all the São Paulo fans who supported me since my return and through this difficult moment I am facing.”