Former Chelsea and Brazil midfielder Oscar has announced his retirement from professional football after being diagnosed with a heart condition.
The 34-year-old was hospitalized in November after falling ill during physical tests at São Paulo's training facility. Medical examinations revealed he had experienced vasovagal syncope—a common form of fainting triggered by a sudden drop in blood pressure and heart rate.
Oscar has since terminated his contract with São Paulo, which had two years remaining. In a heartfelt social media announcement, the midfielder expressed his disappointment at the abrupt end to his playing career.
"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," Oscar stated. "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."
Oscar's career highlights include winning the Europa League with Chelsea in his debut season (2012-13), followed by a Premier League and League Cup double in 2014-15. He scored 38 goals in 203 appearances for the London club before transferring to Shanghai Port in January 2017, where he secured three Chinese Super League titles.
The Brazilian international, who earned 48 caps and helped his national team reach the 2014 World Cup semifinals, returned to his boyhood club São Paulo in January 2025 on a three-year deal before his career was cut short by the medical diagnosis.