Oscar 'Considering Retirement' After Being Admitted to Hospital Following Tests

Former Chelsea midfielder Oscar is 'considering retirement' after falling unconscious during a training session, with reports in Brazil claiming the player is currently in intensive care due to cardiac issues.

The 34-year-old, who rejoined boyhood club Sao Paulo in 2024, was performing an interval test on an exercise bike at the club's Barra Funda training centre when he fell ill.

Moments later, the former Brazil international fell to the ground and remained unconscious for around two minutes, according to Globo. He was then taken to the ICU unit at Einstein Hospital Israelita.

On Tuesday, doctors assessed his condition using a diagnostic catheterisation, an invasive medical procedure where a thin tube is inserted into a blood vessel and guided to the heart to provide information about heart structure and function.

As per the previously mentioned report, there is no discharge date scheduled. An MRI was scheduled for Tuesday evening.

Oscar joined Sao Paulo at the end of 2024. Image credit: Getty

Back in August, when Oscar was evaluated for the fractured vertebrae he suffered in a clash against Corinthians, tests showed an abnormality in his heart, although he received a report clearing him to play, as per Globo.

At the time, the player is said to have confided in those close to him that he would walk away from the game if complications ever arose on the field.

Sao Paulo release statement following the incident involving Oscar

A statement published on Tuesday read: "During tests carried out on Tuesday morning (11), at SuperCT, as part of the preparation for the 2026 pre-season, athlete 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 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.

"As per standard procedure and respecting the player's privacy, further information will be released as soon as there is an update from the medical team, in agreement with Oscar."

Oscar, meanwhile, is 'evaluating the possibility' of terminating his contract with Sao Paulo, which runs until 2027. He last played for the club on July 19, when he suffered an injury against Corinthians.

Since rejoining the club at the end of 2024, Oscar has played 21 games for Sao Paulo, scoring two goals.