Brazilian midfielder Oscar has retired from professional soccer at age 34 after suffering a life-threatening cardiac incident, his club São Paulo announced. The former Chelsea star, who won two Premier League titles and the Europa League with the Blues, experienced vasovagal syncope during preseason testing in November, requiring emergency CPR when his heart stopped for two and a half minutes.

Oscar, who had been contracted with São Paulo until December 2027, agreed to terminate his deal early, waiving portions of his remaining salary to amicably end his relationship with the club. The midfielder, who scored two goals and provided five assists in 21 appearances for São Paulo, described the experience as feeling like he was leaving his body and seeing his son calling him back.

His career spanned continents, from Chelsea's £25 million acquisition in 2012 to eight seasons in China with Shanghai Port before returning to his boyhood club São Paulo. Oscar earned 48 caps for Brazil's national team. The sudden end to his playing career at just 34 years old marks a dramatic conclusion for a player who still felt capable of contributing more on the field.