Oscar announces retirement from football | OneFootball

Raised in Cotia, the midfielder retires from football at the age of 34

At 34 years old, midfielder Oscar announced his retirement from football. This week, he agreed to terminate his contract with São Paulo, which had been set to run until December 31, 2027.

Oscar has been away from the pitch since November 2025, when he felt unwell during a stress test conducted at SuperCT. Referred to Albert Einstein Israeli Hospital, he was diagnosed with vasovagal syncope, underwent surgery, and had to follow a rest protocol before undergoing a new round of exams.

“I wanted to do more for São Paulo, I wanted to play more. I think I still had both the football and the age to keep playing, but unfortunately this happened. Now I’m going to retire and keep supporting São Paulo, keep living my life as a fan,” said Oscar.

“I’m ending here at São Paulo a career that took me to many places, that practically crossed the world. I want to thank everyone for the affection as always, all the São Paulo fans who have supported me since my return and during this difficult moment I’m going through,” he added.

Developed in Tricolor’s youth academy in Cotia, the player had two spells with São Paulo and totaled 37 appearances for the first team — scoring two goals and providing seven assists.

Last Wednesday (01), at the club’s invitation, Oscar revisited the CFA and met again with members of the coaching staff and employees he had worked with at the start of his career. Then on Friday (3), the midfielder watched the first team’s training session at SuperCT and received a tribute as he said goodbye.

CAREER

Oscar dos Santos Emboaba Júnior was born in Americana, in the countryside of São Paulo state, and came through Tricolor’s youth academy in Cotia.

After completing his development, he was promoted to the first team and played 14 matches as a professional, being part of the squad that won the 2008 Brazilian Championship.

After leaving São Paulo, Oscar moved to Internacional, where he won the Recopa Sudamericana (2011) and the Campeonato Gaúcho (2011 and 2012).

In 2012, Oscar joined Chelsea and was part of a successful generation at the English club, winning the UEFA Europa League (2012/13), the Premier League (2014/15 and 2016/17), and the Football League Cup (2014/15).

During his time in Europe, the midfielder earned several call-ups to represent the Brazilian national team and won the FIFA Confederations Cup (2013).

Then, in 2017, the player was transferred to Shanghai in China, the club he represented until his return to Tricolor.His spell in Chinese football was marked by decisive performances, titles, goals, and assists: in total, he found the net 76 times and delivered 110 assists.

With Shanghai, Oscar lifted the 2018, 2023, and 2024 Chinese Super League trophies, as well as the 2019 Chinese Super Cup.

At the end of 2024, Oscar agreed to return to São Paulo to play for the club in the 2025 season, 14 years later.

In this second spell, the player made 23 appearances, provided five assists, and scored twice — against Mirassol and Corinthians, both in the Campeonato Paulista.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.