Brazilian attacking midfielder Oscar dos Santos Emboaba Júnior, known simply as Oscar, is back in the global football spotlight in late 2024, not for a lucrative new transfer, but for a deeply sentimental return to his roots. After nearly a decade away, the former Chelsea star has finalized a three-year deal with his boyhood club, São Paulo Futebol Clube, marking a significant and emotional chapter in his career. This move confirms the end of his record-breaking, highly-lucrative tenure in the Chinese Super League (CSL) and sets the stage for a new phase in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A.

The decision to leave the financial powerhouse of Shanghai Port, where he was once one of the highest-paid players in the world, for a return to Brazilian football is a testament to the player's desire to finish his career on his own terms. As of December 2024, the football world is buzzing with anticipation to see the 34-year-old playmaker bring his world-class talent and wealth of experience back to the Morumbi Stadium, a move that will undoubtedly boost the profile of the Brazilian top flight.

Complete Biography and Professional Profile: Oscar dos Santos Emboaba Júnior

Oscar is a globally recognized attacking midfielder celebrated for his vision, technique, and goal-scoring ability. His career trajectory has spanned three continents and included some of the biggest clubs in Europe and Asia, culminating in his recent return home.

  • Full Name: Oscar dos Santos Emboaba Júnior
  • Date of Birth: September 9, 1991
  • Place of Birth: Americana, São Paulo, Brazil
  • Age (as of late 2024): 33
  • Height: 1.79 m (5 ft 10 in)
  • Playing Position: Attacking Midfielder, Central Midfielder
  • Current Club: São Paulo Futebol Clube (effective 2025)
  • Senior Career Timeline (Key Clubs):
    • 2008–2010: São Paulo FC
    • 2010–2012: Internacional
    • 2012–2017: Chelsea FC
    • 2017–2024: Shanghai Port (formerly Shanghai SIPG)
    • 2025–: São Paulo FC
  • Brazil National Team: 48 Caps, 12 Goals (2011–2015)
  • Major Honors (Club & International):
    • Chelsea: 2x Premier League, 1x UEFA Europa League, 1x League Cup
    • Shanghai Port: 3x Chinese Super League, 1x Chinese FA Super Cup
    • Internacional: 1x Campeonato Gaúcho, 1x Recopa Sudamericana
    • Brazil: 1x FIFA Confederations Cup, 1x FIFA U-20 World Cup

The Golden Era at Chelsea: Premier League Glory and European Nights

Oscar’s arrival at Chelsea in 2012 marked the beginning of his rise to global stardom. Signed from Internacional for a reported fee of around £25 million, he quickly established himself as a key figure in the Blues' midfield. His flair and creativity were perfectly suited to the Premier League's fast pace, earning him a reputation as one of the most exciting young talents in world football.

His debut season was instantly memorable, particularly his two stunning goals against Juventus in the UEFA Champions League. The first, a curled effort from outside the box, and the second, a spectacular turn-and-shoot, announced his arrival on the European stage. He was instrumental in Chelsea's 2012–13 UEFA Europa League triumph, providing the creative spark from the number 10 position.

Under manager José Mourinho, Oscar was a crucial component of the team that secured the 2014–15 Premier League title and the League Cup. He later added a second Premier League title in the 2016–17 season before his shock departure. During his nearly five years at Stamford Bridge, he amassed 203 appearances, scoring 38 goals and registering 37 assists, leaving a legacy as a technically gifted and often underrated player.

The Shocking €60 Million Move and The Chinese Super League Legacy

In January 2017, Oscar made a transfer that sent shockwaves through the football world: a move to Shanghai SIPG (now Shanghai Port) for an Asian transfer record fee of approximately £60 million (around €70 million). The move was not just financially record-breaking for the club, but also for the player, as he reportedly became one of the highest-paid footballers globally, with an astonishing annual salary estimated to be around €24 million.

This transfer was part of a major trend where the Chinese Super League (CSL) was recruiting high-profile talent with massive wages. Oscar quickly became the face of the league, often playing alongside other high-profile Brazilian players like Hulk. His eight-year stint in China was a period of immense personal success, both financially and professionally.

During his time at Shanghai Port, Oscar consistently delivered stellar performances, justifying his immense price tag. He led the club to its first-ever Chinese Super League title in 2018, breaking Guangzhou Evergrande's seven-year dominance, and added two more CSL titles in subsequent years. He played 242 times for the Chinese side, becoming a legend in Asian football and one of the last major European stars to remain in the CSL following the league's subsequent financial restructuring.

The Emotional Return to São Paulo FC in 2025

The biggest news surrounding Oscar in late 2024 is his highly anticipated return to Brazilian football. With his contract with Shanghai Port expiring, the 34-year-old midfielder was a free agent, sparking immediate interest from clubs in Major League Soccer (MLS) and back home in Brazil.

Ultimately, Oscar chose the emotional path, signing a three-year contract with São Paulo Futebol Clube, the club where he began his professional career 14 years prior. This move is a significant boost for *Tricolor Paulista* and the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, as it brings a player of immense quality and experience back to the domestic league.

His return is driven by a desire to contribute to the club that gave him his start and to play competitive football at a high level closer to home. The move is viewed as a sentimental homecoming, allowing him to reconnect with the Brazilian fans and potentially add a major domestic trophy to his already impressive collection. The new contract is set to take effect in the early months of 2025, with Oscar aiming to make an immediate impact on the team's creative output and mentor the next generation of Brazilian talents.

Oscar’s International Career: The 2014 World Cup and Beyond

Oscar’s career is also defined by his time with the Brazil national team, the *Seleção*. He made his international debut in 2011 and quickly became a key player, earning 48 caps and scoring 12 goals. His performances in the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup were legendary, where he scored a hat-trick in the final against Portugal, making him the first player ever to achieve that feat in the tournament's history.

He was a central figure in Brazil’s successful 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup campaign. However, his most defining moment on the international stage came at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, hosted in Brazil. Oscar was one of the team's most consistent performers. He is perhaps most famously remembered for scoring Brazil's only goal in the devastating 7–1 semi-final loss to Germany, a moment of individual brilliance that offered a fleeting consolation to a nation in shock.

While his international career tapered off after the World Cup, largely due to his move to the Chinese Super League, his legacy as a technically brilliant Brazilian Golden Boy remains. His return to São Paulo in 2025 has already ignited speculation about a potential, albeit unlikely, return to the *Seleção* setup, depending on his form in the Série A.