Former Chelsea midfielder Oscar has retired from professional soccer at the age of 34 due to ongoing cardiac problems, his club Sao Paulo announced on Saturday. The Brazilian international was hospitalized for five days in November after fainting during a medical examination, and further evaluations confirmed a diagnosis of vasovagal syncope.
Oscar returned to his boyhood club Sao Paulo in December 2024, signing a contract through 2027, but has now finalized the termination of that agreement. He hadn’t played for Sao Paulo since the incident, which involved a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure, and required surgery.
During his career, Oscar won two Premier League titles and a Europa League title with Chelsea, joining the club in 2012. He later spent time in China, winning three Super League titles with Shanghai Port and becoming a popular player in Asia.
“I wanted to do more for Sao Paulo, I wanted to play more,” Oscar said in a statement. “Now I’m going to retire and continue supporting Sao Paulo, continuing my life as a fan.”