As the final whistle blew on Oscar’s illustrious eight-year career in China, the Brazilian midfielder couldn’t hold back the tears. His time with Shanghai Port had come to an end, but what a journey it had been. Three Chinese Super League titles, adoration from the fans, and a hefty €2 million per month salary – it’s safe to say Oscar made the most of his time in the Middle Kingdom.
A Shocking Move East
When Oscar swapped Chelsea for Shanghai in a £60 million move back in December 2016, eyebrows were raised. Here was a 25-year-old Brazilian international, fresh off winning two Premier League titles with the Blues, heading to a league often maligned for prioritizing money over footballing merit. Even Chelsea boss Antonio Conte expressed his concern, warning of the “danger” China posed in luring away top talent.
But Oscar was undeterred. The financial package on offer – a reported €2 million per month – was simply too good to refuse. And so off he went, swapping the bright lights of London for the bustling metropolis of Shanghai.
Embracing the Shanghai Lifestyle
Unlike some foreign imports who struggled to adapt to life in China (we’re looking at you, Carlos Tevez and your “seven-month holiday”), Oscar fully embraced his new surroundings. He quickly settled into life in Shanghai with his young family, tackling local delicacies like xiao long bao dumplings and cong you bing scallion pancakes with aplomb.
On the pitch, things started slowly. Oscar’s debut season with Shanghai Port (then known as Shanghai SIPG) ended without any silverware. But the arrival of Portuguese coach Vítor Pereira in 2018 sparked a turnaround in fortunes.
Titles, Goals, and Accolades Galore
Under Pereira’s structured system, Oscar began to thrive. His creativity and vision in midfield helped drive Shanghai to their first ever Chinese Super League title in 2018, ending Guangzhou Evergrande’s seven-year stranglehold on the trophy. Two more titles would follow in 2023 and 2024, cementing Oscar’s status as a Shanghai legend.
The individual accolades also piled up. Oscar ended his Shanghai career with 77 goals and an astonishing 141 assists in 248 appearances. Even in his final season at the age of 33, he finished in the top 10 goalscorers and led the assist charts with 24.
I take with me incredible memories and the certainty that I gave my all for this club. I leave with a heart full of gratitude and pride for everything we achieved together.
– Oscar on his departure from Shanghai Port
The Brazil Snub
If there was one disappointment during Oscar’s time in China, it was his continued omission from the Brazil national team. Despite consistently outperforming his compatriots in the Chinese Super League like Paulinho and Renato Augusto, Oscar never received another call-up after moving to Shanghai.
The player himself bemoaned the “prejudice” against those plying their trade in China, arguing he was better than many selected ahead of him. But his pleas fell on deaf ears, with successive Brazil coaches overlooking the midfielder.
A Lucrative Legacy
As Oscar bids farewell to China and heads back to his homeland with São Paulo, he does so with his head held high. His Shanghai adventure brought him titles, adoration, and a whopping €192 million in salary alone. Not a bad haul for eight years’ work.
Of course, the naysayers will point to the money as evidence that Oscar “sold out” by moving to China in his prime. But the midfielder himself has no regrets. He saw an opportunity and grabbed it with both hands, making the absolute most of his time in a league that has since fallen on harder times.
Oscar’s legacy in China goes beyond just his on-field achievements and bulging bank account. He was part of a select group of high-profile foreign stars who helped raise the global profile of the Chinese Super League, even if that star has since faded somewhat. His professionalism, dedication, and willingness to embrace the local culture endeared him to fans and teammate alike.
This club will always be my home and this fanbase my family.
– Oscar’s emotional farewell message to Shanghai Port fans
So as we bid zàijiàn to Oscar, let’s celebrate his Chinese Super League adventure for what it was – a roaring success, both on and off the pitch. He may not have fulfilled his childhood dream of playing for Shanghai Port, but he leaves with memories, trophies, and millions that will last a lifetime.
