Oscar’s Shanghai salary became one of the most talked-about topics in football, both because of its size and because it marked a shift in the way athletes view success. Fans and commentators were taken aback when the Brazilian midfielder left Chelsea for Shanghai SIPG in 2017. He was in his prime at the age of 25, and his creativity and poise won him praise. However, the offer from China was too good to refuse: €24 million annually, or about £400,000 per week, which is quadruple his Premier League salary.
Despite being controversial, the move had a remarkable impact on changing the financial geography of football. Oscar reportedly earned over £160 million in wages alone, making him one of the highest-paid players on the planet for eight years. Few transfers have been subjected to as much analysis, discussion, and reinterpretation as his. It represented the victory of wealth over ambition for some. Others saw it as a wise and extremely effective career choice that put longevity and financial security ahead of temporary fame.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Oscar dos Santos Emboaba Júnior |
| Date of Birth | September 9, 1991 |
| Age | 34 years (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Americana, São Paulo, Brazil |
| Height | 1.79 m (5 ft 10 in) |
| Position | Attacking Midfielder |
| Current Club | São Paulo FC |
| Former Club | Shanghai SIPG / Shanghai Port (2017–2024) |
| Nationality | Brazilian |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Annual Salary at Shanghai | €24 million ($26.5 million) |
| Weekly Earnings | £400,000 (€450,000) |
| Total Estimated Earnings in China | £160–175 million |
| Transfer Fee to Shanghai | £60 million (2017) |
| Major Titles | 3x CSL Champion, 1x FA Cup, 1x Super Cup |
Oscar entered what many refer to as football’s “gold rush” period in China by using his skill and timing. His arrival came at the height of the Chinese Super League‘s ambitions, when teams were prepared to shell out enormous sums of money to sign international players. Oscar improved the technical proficiency and global recognition of the league alongside teammates like Paulinho and Hulk. He became a representation of Asia’s sporting ambitions after the £60 million transfer fee alone broke the region’s previous record.
Oscar’s eight years in Shanghai were more than just a financial success. It served as a lesson in consistency and flexibility as well. He scored 77 goals and provided 141 assists in 248 games, which demonstrated his output and tenacity. He went from being an outsider to a local favorite as a result of his leadership both on and off the field, which helped Shanghai Port win three league titles, an FA Cup, and a Super Cup.
In stark contrast to the lavishness of his compensation, Oscar’s farewell in December 2024 was incredibly modest. As fans chanted his name, he broke down in tears, demonstrating how much he had bonded with his adopted country. The scene, which was televised throughout Asia, resonated with football fans everywhere. It emphasized how his passion and thankfulness kept him in China even though money had initially drew him there.
Oscar’s choice to relocate to China was often contrasted with other high-profile moves, such as Neymar’s historic contract in Saudi Arabia or Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Al Nassr. Oscar’s journey, however, was very different. He was one of the first prominent figures to support the move east, establishing a standard that would subsequently be followed by others. His decision was especially avant-garde at the time, suggesting that new markets and incentives could have an impact on contemporary football.
In terms of money, Oscar’s journey was incredibly fulfilling. With an annual income of over $27 million, including endorsements from Adidas and other international brands, Forbes once named him one of the highest-paid athletes in the world. His total compensation during his Shanghai years was higher than that of international superstars like Messi and Ronaldo. Even as Chinese clubs started to impose salary restrictions, he continued to rank among the sport’s highest paid players thanks to his contract renewal in 2019.
Oscar has been remarkably candid in his defense of his choice. When questioned about leaving Europe at such a young age, he once remarked, “Every professional works to provide for their family.” “That opportunity changed the course of my life.” His career was guided by a pragmatic philosophy, which is reflected in the quote. Oscar, who came from humble beginnings in São Paulo, made decisions based on his understanding of how short-lived football success is. Far from being rash, his choice was remarkably explicit in its goal: to ensure wealth for future generations.
Oscar’s pay had significant societal repercussions. His move signaled a significant shift in the global football economy. It demonstrated how quickly changing markets could upend established hierarchies and how up-and-coming leagues could compete using financial appeal rather than custom. Oscar’s Shanghai experience served as a model for many players to redefine their professional priorities by fusing financial intelligence with performance.
His tale also brought attention to the human side of ambition. Oscar’s emotional openness during his farewell demonstrated how intensely personal the experience had been, even in spite of his extraordinary wealth. He frequently discussed Shanghai’s safety, tranquility, and standard of living, calling it “a place where my children grew up happily, and where life felt beautifully simple.” That sentiment, which showed how his time in China influenced him beyond fame or wealth, was especially poignant.
He has evolved rather than declined when compared to his Chelsea days. He worked under José Mourinho and Antonio Conte at Chelsea, where he won the Premier League, Europa League, and League Cup. He did, however, accomplish something equally significant in Shanghai: mastery over his own fate. Despite having fewer people watching him from around the world, his steady performance under pressure demonstrated that professionalism is more a function of attitude than location.
Oscar’s journey served as an intriguing reminder of the Chinese Super League’s opulent spending era as it came to an end. His pay was a statement rather than just a figure. It showed how dreams and strategy, sport and globalization, and economics and artistry collided. Oscar stayed grounded, personable, and subtly reflective throughout it all.
Instead of criticism, his return to São Paulo FC in 2025 was met with admiration. Supporters saw a man who had played his career wisely, securing stability and legacy, rather than just a player coming home. His narrative is especially poignant at a time when athletes are being pushed to be role models, investors, and philanthropists in addition to being athletes.
Even though Oscar’s salary in Shanghai was unheard of, its true legacy is in the way it redefined value. It showed that sustainability, family well-being, and long-term vision, rather than continual public validation, are alternative ways to measure success. His story serves as a reminder that decisions can be both financially prudent and emotionally satisfying if they are made with conviction and purpose.
