Heart complications force the Brazilian star to retire before the World Cup

Sao Paulo FC announced that Oscar, the former Chelsea midfielder, has retired from football at the age of 34 due to chronic heart problems.

The former Brazil international was hospitalized for five days following heart complications in November and comprehensive assessments confirmed a diagnosis of vasovagal seizure, a common form of fainting caused by a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure.

Oscar’s contract with Sao Paulo was extended until 2027, but this contract has now been terminated.

Oscar posted a video on the club’s social media in which he said: “I wanted to do more for Sao Paulo. I wanted to play more. I thought I had the football talent and the right age to continue, but unfortunately this happened.”

He added, “Now I will retire and continue to support Sao Paulo, and continue my life as a fan.”

He continued, “I end my career here in Sao Paulo, a career that has taken me to many places, all over the world.”

Oscar won the English Premier League twice with Chelsea, and the Chinese Super League three times with Shanghai Port, before returning to Sao Paulo in December 2024, under a three-year contract with his boyhood club.