Brazilian football star Oscar has officially completed his return to São Paulo FC after eight years of successful play at Shanghai Port FC. The announcement, made on December 25, 2024, signifies not only his departure from China but also his reconnection with his roots and family back home.
Oscar, who was born and raised near São Paulo, initially joined the club's youth academy, rising through the ranks to make his first-team debut before moving to Europe. His career has taken him from São Paulo to Chelsea and finally to Shanghai, where he became one of the standout players in the Chinese Super League.
During his impressive spell at Shanghai, Oscar scored 77 goals and provided 141 assists across 248 matches, affirming his reputation as one of the top talents. He enjoyed individual success, winning three Chinese Super League titles (2018, 2023, 2024), one Chinese FA Cup (2024), and one Chinese Super Cup (2019). His annual salary of approximately €24 million (about $26 million) positioned him among the highest earners globally, reflecting the lucrative contracts the league offered during his tenure.
Despite the wealth and status he garnered, the decision to relocate back to Brazil came with deep personal motivations. Oscar shared, "I love Shanghai, but it is simply too far from my family. My mother is aging, and my sisters are starting to build families. We want to be closer to one another." This sentiment played a pivotal role as he contemplated the next step of his career.
Oscar's departure from São Paulo back in 2010 had been tumultuous, marred by legal disputes over the terms of his contract. That situation eventually resolved itself, leading him to Internacional before his move to Chelsea. His time at Chelsea was highly successful, culminating with him winning two Premier League titles and the UEFA Europa League.
The São Paulo FC president Julio Casares solemnly welcomed Oscar back during the announcement, exciting fans eager to see the return of one of their own. His signing until December 31, 2027, reflects the club’s ambitions to reclaim its dominance within Brazilian football as well as on the continental stage.
Oscar has stirred anticipation within the fanbase, with his previous success and experience expected to be key contributions as the club strives for new victories. His intimate bond with the club is undeniable, as he expressed gratitude for being able to return to the environment where his professional career began.
Reflecting on his achievements and challenges during his eight years abroad, Oscar stated, "Saying goodbye is full of mixed emotions, and I carry with me a weight as I take this step." Divided between gratitude for what he accomplished and the pain of parting ways with Shanghai, he acknowledged the support from fans and mentors over the years.
His farewell from Shanghai was marked by emotional scenes, with fans chanting "Oscar, stay!" during his final match, highlighting his beloved status among the supporters. The Shanghai Port FC also paid tribute to his contributions as they recognized his time with the club as both successful and influential. An official statement read, "Captain, you will always be our pride. Thank you for your dedication and for bringing glory to our colors."
Oscar's return is framed not just as another chapter but also as a full-circle moment. His presence at São Paulo is being viewed as not only beneficial for the club's ambition to clinch new titles but also as a potential source of inspiration for younger players at the academy. He stands ready to impart lessons drawn from his time playing across Europe and Asia.
With hopes high and expectations palpable, Oscar's comeback to São Paulo offers him the chance to reconnect with his fans and to rekindle the spark of his early career. His promise to give his utmost effort to support the team signals his commitment to helping restore the club’s former glory. This new chapter not only emphasizes his love for football but also affirms the significant ties he maintains to his hometown and roots.
