Shanghai Port's third Chinese Super League (CSL) title in November was a bittersweet occasion. Amidst the celebrations, there were tears as their captain, Oscar, bid farewell after eight years. Despite pleas from fans to stay, the 33-year-old midfielder confirmed his return to his hometown of São Paulo.
Oscar's time with Shanghai Port was marked by highs and lows: title wins, near misses, the departure of star players, the world's longest lockdown, and financial turmoil that engulfed rival clubs. His exit signifies the end of an era for both player and club, and symbolizes the changing landscape of Chinese football. He was the last of the big-name signings that characterized the CSL in the 2010s.
When Oscar left Chelsea for £60m in 2016, few anticipated the slowdown in spending that followed. Antonio Conte, Chelsea's coach at the time, even warned of the "dangers" posed by China's financial clout in the transfer market. Ironically, Chelsea's spending in the following decade dwarfed that of the entire CSL.
Oscar's move to China, like many others, was often portrayed as purely financially motivated, a narrative rarely applied to players joining wealthy European clubs. Whether it was Carlos Tevez's "seven-month holiday" at Shanghai Shenhua or Oscar's eight-year stay, the focus remained on the lucrative salaries.
While acknowledging the allure of his €2m monthly salary, Oscar emphasized the appeal of Shanghai. He appreciated the city's modern infrastructure and vibrant lifestyle, often sharing experiences of exploring local cuisine with his children.
Despite enjoying life in China, Oscar lamented the impact on his international career. Capped 48 times for Brazil before his move, he never played for the national team again. He believed there was a prejudice against players in the CSL, hindering their selection.
Oscar's performances in China were exceptional. After a quiet first season, he flourished under the management of Vítor Pereira, now at Wolves. He led Shanghai Port to their first title in 2018, breaking Guangzhou Evergrande's dominance. Two more titles followed in 2023 and 2024.
In his final season, Oscar was among the league's top scorers with 14 goals and led in assists with 24, bringing his total to 77 goals and 141 assists in 248 games. While the CSL's overall quality may have declined, this was not the case for Shanghai Port, a club that remained financially stable amidst the challenges faced by others.
Oscar departs China with fond memories and a sense of accomplishment. Beyond the financial rewards, he leaves a legacy of success and a deep connection with the club and its fans.
