Brazil midfielder Oscar suffered a major cardiac scare after collapsing and losing consciousness during a physical test at Sao Paulo’s training centre on Tuesday.
The 34-year-old was undergoing pre-season medical examinations at the Barra Funda complex when he fell ill due to cardiac complications. He was immediately treated by club doctors and medical staff from Einstein Hospital Israelita, who were present on site, before being taken to the hospital by ambulance.
Oscar is currently in the intensive care unit and remains under observation with no discharge date yet confirmed. Sao Paulo said the midfielder is in a stable condition but will continue to undergo tests to determine the extent of the issue.
“Oscar presented an incident with cardiological changes, being promptly attended to by the club’s professionals and the medical team from Einstein Hospital Israelita, who were present at the site,” the club said in a statement.
“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.”
According to Brazilian outlet Globo, Oscar collapsed while performing an interval test on an exercise bike and was unconscious for around two minutes. The report also claimed that the former Chelsea star is now considering retirement.
Oscar rejoined Sao Paulo, the club where he began his professional career, in December 2024 on a three-year deal running until 2027 under manager Hernan Crespo. However, he has featured just 21 times since his return and last appeared in August after suffering a fractured vertebrae during a league match against Corinthians.
The Brazilian spent eight years in China with Shanghai Port, where he was reportedly earning £400,000 per week and amassed around £150 million in total earnings. During his time there, he scored 77 goals and provided 141 assists in 248 appearances, winning three Chinese Super League titles as well as the FA Cup and Super Cup.
Before his move to China in 2017 for £60 million, Oscar played 203 matches for Chelsea between 2012 and 2016, scoring 38 goals and winning the Premier League, League Cup, and Europa League.
Capped 48 times for Brazil, he scored 12 goals and provided 15 assists for the national team.
Despite being under contract until 2027, reports suggest Sao Paulo officials would be open to an amicable termination should he choose to retire in light of his health concerns.
