At 34 years old
©IMAGO
Because of heart problems, Oscar ends his active career. The former Chelsea professional had an “incident with cardiological changes” during tests as part of São Paulo FC’s pre-season preparation in November, which is why he had to be treated in hospital and later operated on. The club has now announced that the contract with the 34-year-old, which was originally valid until December 31, 2027, has been terminated.
“I wanted to do more for São Paulo, I wanted to play more. I think I had both the football ability and the age to continue playing, but unfortunately what happened happened. Now I will end my career and continue to cheer for São Paulo, continue my life as a fan,” explained Oscar. “I am ending here in São Paulo a career that has taken me to many places, practically around the world. I would like to thank everyone for the constant affection, to all the São Paulo fans who have supported me since my return and in this difficult period that I am going through.”
Oscar had been active again for his youth club since January 2025, which he had once left for SC Internacional in 2010. From there he moved on to Chelsea two years later, who paid €32 million for his services. With the Blues he became English champion twice and won the League Cup and European Cup once. The attacking midfielder also achieved his highest market value with the Londoners at 40 million euros. Shanghai Port (then SIPG) transferred the equivalent of 60 million euros in 2017, making it the record entry in the Chinese Super League to this day. Oscar stayed in the Chinese metropolis for eight years, won several titles and earned a princely salary before moving back to Brazil. Oscar, whose full name is Oscar dos Santos Emboaba Júnior, played 48 times for his country’s national team and won the Confederations Cup in 2013. He scored the consolation goal in the Seleção’s 7-1 semi-final knockout against eventual world champions Germany in Belo Horizonte in 2014.
