Former Chelsea and Brazil midfielder Oscar has announced his retirement from football after being diagnosed with a fainting condition.

Oscar most recently played for Sao Paulo, but he was hospitalised in November and diagnosed with vasovagal syncope, a type of fainting caused by a sudden drop in blood pressure and heart rate.

He joined the Brazilian side in January 2025, scoring two goals and providing five assists in 21 appearances.

That move came off the back of seven seasons with Shanghai Port, where he won three Chinese Super League titles, and five-and-a-half seasons with Chelsea.

“I wanted to do more for Sao Paulo, I wanted to play more. I think I had both the footballing ability and the age to play more, but unfortunately this happened,” said Oscar, who represented Brazil at the 2014 World Cup.

“Now I’m going to retire and continue supporting Sao Paulo, continuing my life as a fan. I’m ending my career here at Sao Paulo, a career that has taken me to many places, practically all over the world.

“I’d like to thank everyone for their constant support, all the Sao Paulo fans who have backed me since my return and during this difficult time I’m going through.”

Oscar made 131 Premier League appearances for Chelsea, scoring 21 goals and providing 19 assists.

He also directly contributed to 14 goals (eight goals, six assists) in 30 Champions League games, while helping the Blues win two Premier League titles as well as one EFL Cup and the Europa League.