Oscar dos Santos Emboaba Júnior, the Brazilian midfielder renowned for his time at Chelsea and his influential presence at Shanghai Port, is poised to don the iconic red and white jersey of São Paulo FC once again. The celebrated player, who has spent the last decade excelling abroad, has come to terms on a three-year contract with the club, marking his emotional return to the team where he launched his professional career.
After extensive negotiations, the São Paulo management and Oscar have ironed out the final details of his contract, which is expected to be announced shortly. He successfully completed his medical examinations on December 23, 2024, confirming his readiness to rejoin the squad. This decision signifies more than just a transfer; it is about reconnecting with his roots and possibly concluding his illustrious career where it all began.
Oscar, age 33, is not only returning as one of the most decorated players to ever come out of the São Paulo youth system but also as one of the highest-paid members of the roster. While he had lucrative offers from clubs abroad, including financial packages worth over 8 million reais from Saudi Arabia, he opted for this new chapter with São Paulo, guided strongly by the encouragement of their passionate fanbase.
The support from São Paulo's loyal fans has been palpable, with many expressing their excitement for Oscar's anticipated debut. Lucas Moura, his teammate at São Paulo, remarked, “Having Oscar with us is a privilege. He is full of quality and experience, and will help us achieve our goals.” This enthusiasm on social media has turned the hashtag #OscarNoSPFC viral, showcasing how important his arrival is for fans.
Oscar’s past with São Paulo is marked by bittersweet memories. He started his professional career there but left controversially due to legal disputes over contract issues. His departure to Internacional was steeped in controversy, but it led to greater horizons, including thriving seasons at Chelsea and significant standing as one of Shanghai Port's key players. He spent eight successful years in China, achieving remarkable statistics, with 16 goals and 27 assists recorded last season alone.
Despite his international success, Oscar’s decision to return to Brazil reflects his desire for personal fulfillment and competitive challenges within his home league. “From my perspective, my departure was sad. I was the biggest promise and had everything to excel at São Paulo as I did at Internacional and with the national team,” he reflected during past interviews. Such sentiments resonate deeply with fans who have long awaited his return.
Now positioned back at São Paulo, Oscar is ready to sign the contract finalized by club president Julio Casares, aiming to reinvigorate the squad and potentially coax the team back to championship glory. The club has lofty goals for 2025, including strong performances both domestically and internationally.
Oscar's return is anticipated not only to bolster the performance on the pitch but also help rejuvenate the marketing and visibility of São Paulo FC. His fame extends beyond Brazilian borders, particularly having built significant popularity during his tenure in Asia. The club intends to leverage this for merchandising opportunities, aiming to strengthen their brand and outreach globally.
With the upcoming pre-season trip to the United States to train and prepare for the2015 season, the timing of Oscar’s return could not be more perfect. He will need to reacquaint himself with the faster-paced, competitive nature of Brazilian football, which presents both challenges and rewards. Yet, with his wealth of experience, he is quickly expected to acclimate back.
Oscar's impressive record includes multiple achievements within major tournaments. He shined at Chelsea, winning both the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League, and was pivotal during significant national team outings. His resurgence at São Paulo is likely to reinvigorate not just his career but could also revive the club's fortunes as they aim for the trophies they covet.
The reaction to Oscar's signing has been overwhelmingly positive, with nostalgic sentiments expressed for the player who is returning to his roots. The fervor surrounding his anticipated return reflects the hope and excitement of millions of São Paulo fans who look forward to seeing their former idol back on the pitch. The narrative of Oscar at São Paulo is one of redemption and second chances, and as he prepares to step once more onto the Morumbi pitch, both the player and the club anticipate writing the next chapter of their stories together.
