Brazil's Oscar collapses during training, hospitalised with cardiac scare

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 taking part in pre-season medical exams at the Barra Funda training complex when he fell ill due to cardiac complications. He was immediately attended to by club doctors and medical staff from Einstein Hospital Israelita, who were present on site, before being taken by ambulance to the hospital.

Oscar is currently in the intensive care unit (ICU) and remains under observation with no discharge date scheduled. Sao Paulo confirmed that the midfielder is in a "stable condition" but will undergo further 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 doing an interval test on an exercise bike, remaining unconscious for around two minutes. The publication also reported that the player is now considering retirement.

Oscar returned to Sao Paulo, the club where he began his professional career, in December 2024 on a three-year deal running until 2027, under the management of former Chelsea and Argentina striker Hernan Crespo. However, he has played just 21 matches for the club and last appeared in August when he suffered a fractured vertebrae during a league match against Corinthians.

The Brazilian spent eight years in China with Shanghai Port, where he reportedly earned £400,000 per week, accumulating £150 million over his stay. During that period, he scored 77 goals and registered 141 assists in 248 appearances, winning the Chinese Super League three times 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, Oscar 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 decide to retire in light of his health concerns.