Akin Ayomide
Former Chelsea midfielder Oscar is reportedly considering retirement after collapsing during pre-season training with São Paulo FC on Tuesday. The 34-year-old fell ill during routine medical and fitness tests and was rushed to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Albert Einstein Israelite Hospital due to cardiac complications.
According to Brazilian outlet Globo, Oscar was undergoing an interval test on an exercise bike when he suddenly felt unwell and collapsed, losing consciousness for about two minutes before receiving immediate medical attention. Club doctors and emergency responders on-site stabilized him before transferring him to the hospital.
Sao Paulo confirmed in an official statement that Oscar “presented cardiological changes” during the tests and was promptly attended to by medical professionals. The club added that the midfielder is now in a stable condition and undergoing further examinations to determine the cause of the cardiac incident.
The statement read:
“During tests carried out on Tuesday morning (11), as part of the preparation for the 2026 pre-season, athlete Oscar presented an incident with cardiological changes, being promptly attended to by the club’s professionals and the medical team from Einstein Hospital Israelita. The player was then taken to the hospital, where he is currently in stable condition and remains under observation for further tests to clarify the diagnosis.”
Sao Paulo’s football director, Carlos Belmonte, emphasized that the club’s priority is Oscar’s health.
“Right now, the only thing we’re thinking about is that Oscar is well and stays well,” Belmonte said. “If Oscar is fit, we’re counting on him for the 2026 season. If not, or if he decides to retire, we will fully support his decision. He is a young man who deserves all our respect.”
Reports in Brazil indicate that Oscar, who shares two children with his wife Ludmila, currently pregnant with their third, is seriously contemplating retirement to prioritize his health and family.
Former club Chelsea FC also sent a message of support on social media, writing on X:
“The thoughts of everyone at Chelsea FC are with our former player Oscar and his family at this difficult time.”
Oscar joined Chelsea in 2012 from Internacional for £25 million, making 203 appearances for the Premier League side before moving to the Chinese Super League in 2017.
As of Wednesday, the midfielder remains under observation at the hospital, with Sao Paulo FC stating that further updates will be provided once additional medical evaluations are completed.