Former Chelsea and Brazil midfielder Oscar has been hospitalized following a serious cardiac incident during pre-season medical tests with his current club Sao Paulo. The 34-year-old football star collapsed while undergoing routine fitness assessments, raising concerns about player heart health in professional sports.
Cardiac Emergency During Routine Testing
Oscar was performing standard pre-season tests on an exercise bicycle when he suddenly collapsed and lost consciousness. According to Brazilian media reports, the midfielder remained unconscious for approximately two minutes before medical personnel intervened. The incident occurred on Tuesday morning at SuperCT, the club's training facility.
Sao Paulo club officials confirmed the seriousness of the situation in an official statement: "During tests carried out on Tuesday morning, at SuperCT, as part of pre-season preparation, athlete Oscar presented a complication with cardiac changes, and was promptly treated by the club's professionals and the medical team from Einstein Hospital Israelita, who were present at the scene."
Immediate Medical Response and Current Condition
Emergency medical teams responded quickly to the cardiac emergency, providing immediate treatment at the scene before transporting Oscar to hospital via ambulance. The club's statement provided reassurance about the player's current status, noting that Oscar is "clinically stable" and remains under close medical observation.
Medical professionals are conducting additional tests to determine the exact nature of the cardiac changes and establish a clear diagnosis. The incident has highlighted the importance of comprehensive medical screening in professional football, particularly given recent concerns about cardiac issues among athletes.
Oscar's Illustrious Football Career
The Brazilian midfielder has enjoyed a distinguished career spanning multiple continents and top-level competitions. Oscar joined English Premier League giants Chelsea in 2012, where he achieved significant success including:
- Two Premier League titles with Chelsea
- One Europa League trophy during his stint in London
- Representation of Brazil at the 2014 FIFA World Cup
During the 2014 World Cup, Oscar scored Brazil's only goal in their memorable 7-1 semifinal defeat to eventual champions Germany. His performance during that tournament, despite the team's devastating loss, demonstrated his quality on the international stage.
In a surprising mid-season move during Chelsea's 2016-17 campaign, Oscar transferred to Chinese club Shanghai in a deal reported to be worth $73 million. During his extensive spell in China, he won three Super League titles and became a fan favorite across Asia.
Oscar returned to his boyhood club Sao Paulo last December on a free transfer, with his current contract extending until 2027. This cardiac incident represents a significant concern for both the player and the club as they prepare for the upcoming season.
The football world now awaits further updates on Oscar's condition and the results of ongoing medical investigations into this alarming cardiac episode.
