Sao Paulo, Brazil - Veteran midfielder Oscar, currently playing for Sao Paulo FC, is in stable condition at the Einstein Hospital Israelita after collapsing during training on Tuesday. The 34-year-old former Chelsea star fell ill while performing an interval test on an exercise bike at the club's Barra Funda training center as part of the pre-season preparation for 2026.

Reports indicate that Oscar was unconscious for approximately two minutes before being attended to by club professionals and the medical team from the hospital, who were present at the site. He was then promptly transported to the intensive care unit where he underwent a diagnostic catheterization to assess his heart condition. This procedure involves inserting a thin tube into a blood vessel to gather information about the heart's structure and function. An MRI was also scheduled for Tuesday evening.

Sao Paulo FC released an official statement confirming the incident and assuring fans that Oscar is in stable condition while undergoing further observation and tests to clarify the diagnosis. The club statement read, "During tests carried out on Tuesday morning (11am), 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". The club added that further information would be released as soon as updates are available from the medical team, in agreement with Oscar, while respecting the player's privacy.

This health scare comes after Oscar sustained a calf injury in October, which has kept him off the field. He last played for Sao Paulo on July 19 in a match against Corinthians, where he was substituted after just 15 minutes due to back pain. Moreover, back in August, during evaluations for a fractured vertebrae suffered in a clash against Corinthians, tests revealed a heart abnormality. Although he was cleared to play at the time, this prior issue raises further concerns about his long-term health.

Amidst these health concerns, reports from Brazil suggest that Oscar is now considering retirement from professional football, despite having a contract with Sao Paulo that extends until 2027. According to Globo, Oscar is evaluating the possibility of terminating his contract.

Oscar rejoined Sao Paulo in 2024, marking a return to his boyhood club after a successful and lucrative eight-year stint with Shanghai Port in the Chinese Super League. Before that, he spent five years at Chelsea, making over 200 appearances and winning two Premier League titles. Since returning to Sao Paulo, Oscar has played 21 games, scoring two goals.

The football community is closely monitoring Oscar's condition and awaiting further updates from the medical team.