Former Chelsea midfielder Oscar is in intensive care in Brazil after reportedly experiencing heart complications, raising concerns over his playing future.
The 34-year-old attacking midfielder fell ill while using an exercise bike during a training session with Sao Paulo on Tuesday. He is receiving treatment at Israelita Einstein Hospital, where he remains in the ICU under observation.
Oscar, who spent five years at Stamford Bridge before moving to Shanghai Port for £60 million in 2016, returned to his boyhood club Sao Paulo last December. Since his return, he has played only 21 games, with his last appearance in August cut short by a fractured vertebra after just 20 minutes on the field. During medical tests for that injury, he reportedly showed signs of a heart abnormality, though he was deemed fit to continue playing at the time.
Sao Paulo issued a statement confirming the incident, saying Oscar “presented an incident with cardiological changes” and was “promptly attended to by the club’s professionals and the medical team from Einstein Hospital Israelita.” The club added that he is currently in stable condition and under observation for further tests to clarify the diagnosis.
Reports in Brazil also indicate that Oscar is considering an amicable termination of his contract, which currently runs until 2027. The midfielder had signed a three-year deal upon his return to Sao Paulo, expressing excitement at returning “home” to the club where his career began and thanking fans for their support.
