Ex-Chelsea footballer Oscar rushed to hospital after collapsing during Sao Paulo training session

The Brazilian spent five seasons at Chelsea and became a cult hero at the club, before moving on for what many considered to be a quick payday in a lower league side.

Oscar, who now plays for Sao Paulo, reportedly lost consciousness while on an exercise bike during a gym session at the club. He was taken by paramedics to Einstein Hospital Israelita, where doctors found cardiac complications.

The club confirmed that the 34-year-old is currently in a stable condition, but still under observation as tests continue.

A Sao Paulo spokesperson said: “During tests carried out on Tuesday morning, at SuperCT, as part of the preparation for the 2026 pre-season, the 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, which was present at the site.

“The player was then taken to the hospital, where he is clinically stable and remains under observation for further tests to clarify the diagnosis.

“As is usual procedure and respecting the player’s privacy, new information will be released as soon as there is an update from the medical team, in agreement with Oscar.”

Oscar has already had an MRI and diagnostic catheterisation, according to Brazilian media reports. It has also been suggested that he could retire from football entirely to focus on his recovery.

Oscar’s contract with São Paulo runs until 2027, though there is speculation it could be mutually ended if his health prevents a return to the pitch.

The attacking midfielder joined Chelsea in 2012, making more 200 appearances and scoring 38 goals across five seasons. He helped the club win two Premier League titles, the League Cup, and the Europa League before his £60m move to Shanghai SIPG (now Shanghai Port) in 2017, where he earned £400,000 per week.

He spent nearly eight years in China before signing with Sao Paulo in 2024.