Former Chelsea Star Hospitalised After Training Ground Collapse
Former Chelsea midfielder Oscar has been hospitalised after collapsing during pre-season training with Brazilian club Sao Paulo, with the incident raising serious concerns about his future in football.
The 34-year-old Brazilian fell ill on Tuesday during medical tests at the club's training facility, suffering from cardiac issues that required immediate emergency response.
Emergency Response and Hospitalisation
Oscar was participating in an interval test on an exercise bike when he suddenly felt unwell and collapsed to the ground, according to Brazilian outlet Globo. The midfielder remained unconscious for approximately two minutes before medical staff intervened.
He was promptly attended to by club medical professionals and a team from Albert Einstein Israelite Hospital, who were present at the training ground. Oscar was then transported by ambulance to the hospital's Intensive Care Unit, where he currently remains in stable condition.
A statement from Sao Paulo confirmed: "During tests carried out on Tuesday morning as part of preparation for the 2026 pre-season, athlete Oscar presented an incident with cardiological changes. The player was then taken to hospital, where he is currently in stable condition and remains under observation for further tests."
Considering Retirement Amid Health Concerns
Multiple sources in Brazil have revealed that Oscar is now seriously contemplating retirement from professional football following this alarming health scare. The timing is particularly sensitive as his wife Ludmila is currently pregnant with their third child, joining their 11-year-old daughter and eight-year-old son.
Sao Paulo's football director Carlos Belmonte expressed the club's supportive stance, stating: "Right now, the only thing we're thinking about is that Oscar is well, stays well, then we'll have other concerns. If Oscar is well and fit, we're counting on him for the 2026 season. If Oscar isn't, or if he makes a personal decision not to play anymore, we will support the player's decision."
Belmonte emphasised Oscar's dedication, describing him as "a young man who deserves all our respect" while acknowledging the club would negotiate his departure should he choose to retire.
Successful Career Across Continents
Chelsea signed Oscar in a £25 million deal from Brazilian side Internacional in 2012, with the midfielder making 203 appearances for the Premier League club during a successful four-year spell. During his time at Stamford Bridge, he won two Premier League titles, the League Cup and the Europa League.
In 2016, Oscar made a surprising £60 million move to Chinese Super League side Shanghai SIPG, where he became one of the world's highest-paid players with a remarkable weekly wage of £400,000. The Brazilian returned to his homeland last December, signing a three-year contract with Sao Paulo.
The football community now awaits further medical updates and Oscar's decision regarding his future in the sport, with his health and family wellbeing taking priority over any sporting considerations.
