First, he gave up on himself, now his health calls it quits - Oscar forced into early retirement

Oscar has announced his retirement from football at the age of 34, bringing an early end to his career after being diagnosed with a fainting condition.

The former Chelsea midfielder last featured for Sao Paulo in November, when he was taken to hospital and diagnosed with vasovagal syncope - a condition involving sudden drops in heart rate and blood pressure that can lead to fainting.

Having returned to his boyhood club in January 2025, Oscar made 21 appearances, scoring twice and adding five assists. But on Saturday, he confirmed he would terminate his contract two years early and step away from the game.

"I wanted to do more for Sao Paulo, I wanted to play more," he said. "I still had the ability and the age, but unfortunately, this happened."

Oscar added that he would now remain close to the club as a supporter, closing the chapter on a career that took him across continents.

"I'm ending my career here at Sao Paulo, a career that took me all over the world. I'm grateful for the support, especially during this difficult time."

His journey included five-and-a-half seasons in the Premier League, where he won two titles with Chelsea, playing a key role in their 2014-15 triumph and contributing to the squad that lifted the trophy again in 2016-17.

After surprisingly leaving England at his peak and what could have been a stellar career, he won three league titles during seven years in China.

On the international stage, Oscar earned 48 caps for Brazil and was part of the squad that reached the semi-finals of the 2014 World Cup.

A career that once promised even more ends sooner than expected - not only by choice, but also by circumstance.

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