Premier League cult hero retires completely after collapsing in training with heart problem

Callum Vurley
Sun, 05 Apr 2026 12:36:19 +0000

Oscar, the former Chelsea midfielder who became a fan favourite at Stamford Bridge, has confirmed his retirement from professional football at the age of 34.

The Brazilian playmaker terminated his contract with Sao Paulo on Saturday, five months after collapsing during a training session due to a heart condition known as vasovagal syncope.

In an emotional video message, Oscar expressed his disappointment at being unable to contribute more to his boyhood club.

"I wanted to do more for Sao Paulo, I wanted to play more," he stated. "I think I had both the footballing ability and the age to play more, but unfortunately this happened."

The 48-cap international will now support the club as a supporter.

Oscar arrived at Stamford Bridge in 2012, joining from SC Internacional for approximately £25 million.

The attacking midfielder made an immediate impression, netting twice against Juventus in the Champions League during his debut campaign.

His first season culminated in Europa League glory, establishing him as a key figure in west London.

Further silverware followed, with a League Cup triumph in 2015 and Premier League championship success that same year.

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The Brazilian secured a second English top-flight title before departing midway through the 2016-17 campaign.

Across 203 appearances for the Blues, he registered 38 goals and provided 31 assists, cementing his status as a cult hero among supporters.

Oscar's departure from Chelsea proved extraordinarily lucrative, with Shanghai Port reportedly paying £60 million for his services and offering wages of approximately £400,000 weekly.

During eight seasons in the Chinese Super League, he established himself as one of the competition's most decorated foreign imports.

The midfielder claimed three league championships, a Chinese Cup and the FA Super Cup whilst representing the Shanghai outfit.

His final match for the club in 2024 proved deeply emotional, with Oscar reduced to tears as he bid farewell to supporters.

A return to his roots followed, as he rejoined Sao Paulo on a three-year agreement, though this homecoming would be cut tragically short.

The incident occurred in November whilst Oscar was undertaking physical assessments at Sao Paulo's training facilities.

He collapsed suddenly and remained unconscious for approximately two minutes before medical staff intervened.

Doctors subsequently diagnosed vasovagal syncope, a condition that causes fainting when blood pressure and heart rate drop rapidly.

The Brazilian was hospitalised for five days and underwent surgery to address the problem.

Despite medical intervention, the severity of his condition meant continuing his playing career was simply not possible.

Oscar's contract had been due to run until the conclusion of 2027, but the health concerns necessitated its premature termination.