Brazilian star Oscar, currently of São Paulo and former Chelsea player, has announced his retirement from football after suffering a serious heart crisis that led to his heart stopping for two and a half minutes. This announcement came in a video posted by São Paulo FC on their official accounts, where Oscar spoke about the difficult moment he experienced during the preseason.
Oscar, aged 34, stated: "My heart stopped for two minutes... two and a half minutes, it was shocking. Today I am in a better place to talk about it. My blood pressure dropped, my heart stopped, and then they performed CPR on me." He expressed his sadness by saying, "Today I end my career at São Paulo, the place where I grew up... returning made me happy. It’s difficult because I wanted to give more to the club, I wanted to play more, I had the talent and the right age, I could have played more... but unfortunately, this happened. Now I will retire and continue to support the team; it’s about continuing my life as a fan."
Details of the Incident
Oscar began his professional career at São Paulo FC, where he showcased exceptional talent that caught the attention of European clubs. In 2012, he transferred to Chelsea FC in a deal worth approximately £32 million. During his time at Chelsea, he contributed to the team's victory in the Premier League title in the 2014-2015 season, where he delivered standout performances and established himself as one of the best midfielders in the league.
In 2016, Oscar moved to Shanghai Port in China for around €60 million, where he spent successful years before returning to his childhood club, São Paulo, in December 2024. However, Oscar faced a health crisis in November 2025 during a routine fitness test, where a sharp drop in blood pressure caused him to faint and his heart to temporarily stop, necessitating his transfer to the hospital for CPR.
Background & Context
The decision to retire comes after months of absence from the pitch, as the player prioritized his health over continuing his career, despite his desire to contribute more to São Paulo, a club that holds special memories for him. Oscar is considered one of the standout attacking midfielders of his generation, known for his keen vision, precise passing, and high individual skills, earning him the nickname "the Brazilian jewel" in his early days.
Oscar's career has been a model of success in the football world, transitioning from one achievement to another, but the health crisis he faced abruptly halted his career. Such incidents highlight the importance of athletes' overall health and underscore the necessity of regular medical check-ups.
Impact & Consequences
Oscar's retirement may impact São Paulo FC, where he was considered a key pillar of the team. His retirement could open the door for other players to step into the starting lineup, potentially altering the team's dynamics in the future. Personally, Oscar will continue to support his club as a fan, reflecting his loyalty and love for his home club.
This incident raises questions about player safety across various sports and reinforces the need for improved health safety protocols within clubs. Additionally, such news raises concerns among fans regarding the health of their favorite players, making them more aware of the importance of medical examinations.
Regional Significance
Oscar serves as a role model in the Arab world, where many young people see him as a symbol of success. His retirement may affect his fans in the region, as they will lose one of the prominent stars they followed throughout his career. Furthermore, this incident highlights the importance of health in sports, a topic that concerns all athletes in the Arab world.
In conclusion, Oscar remains a symbol of talent and creativity in football, and despite his retirement, his achievements will be etched in the memories of game enthusiasts.