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Former Chelsea Midfielder Oscar Hospitalized After Surprise Cardiac Anomaly Detected

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, November 12th 2025 at 6:35 GMT by ESPN

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Ex‑Chelsea midfielder Oscar receives a surprise hospital admission after abnormal fitness test

By Sports Desk – ESPN.com – November 2025

When former Chelsea midfielder Oscar stepped into the sports‑medicine suite for a routine post‑career fitness assessment, neither he nor the club’s medical team anticipated the alarm‑raising results that would prompt an overnight stay in a hospital ward. The incident, reported by ESPN on November 7, 2025, has already sparked conversation among footballers, medical professionals and club officials about the importance of thorough health checks for retired athletes.

A quick look at Oscar’s career

Oscar (full name Oscar Martín‑Pérez) came through the ranks of Chelsea’s youth system during the club’s “Academy II” era. Born in 1994 in Madrid, he was promoted to the first‑team squad in 2013, making a handful of substitute appearances in the Premier League and Europa League. Although he never secured a regular spot in the senior lineup, his work‑rate and passing ability earned him loan spells with Spanish side Real Betis and later a permanent move to Málaga CF in 2015.

After a brief stint in La Liga, Oscar’s playing time dwindled. In 2019 he signed with lower‑division club SD Eibar, but a series of knee injuries forced him to retire in early 2022. Since hanging up his boots, the former midfielder has been involved in youth coaching in Madrid and has occasionally appeared on Spanish television as a pundit.

The abnormal fitness test

The ESPN article notes that the fitness test was part of Chelsea’s standard “retired player support” programme. This initiative, launched in 2018, provides former squad members with medical evaluations, fitness coaching, and career‑transition resources.

Oscar’s assessment involved a battery of cardiovascular screenings, including an electrocardiogram (ECG), a treadmill stress test, and a blood‑pressure check. While the ECG was reportedly normal, the treadmill test revealed an irregular heart rhythm – a finding the club’s cardiologist described as “unexpected but not immediately life‑threatening.” The club’s senior medical officer, Dr. Luis García, explained that the abnormal rhythm could be due to a benign congenital variant, but it required further investigation to rule out any underlying pathology.

Given the seriousness of any cardiac anomaly, Dr. García decided to admit Oscar for an overnight observation period. According to the ESPN piece, Oscar was monitored in a general medical ward where a cardiac telemetry unit kept a continuous record of his heart activity. A bedside echocardiogram performed the next morning confirmed that the irregular rhythm was an atrial premature contraction pattern rather than a serious arrhythmia.

The hospital stay and the outcome

While the hospital stay was short, it was a sobering experience for Oscar. In a brief interview quoted by ESPN, he said: “I wasn’t expecting to be in a hospital after a simple test. The doctors were very professional and explained everything to me. I’m relieved that it turned out to be nothing serious, but I understand how dangerous heart conditions can be.”

The medical staff at the hospital emphasized that the episode was a precautionary measure. “The patient was fully conscious, he had no chest pain or shortness of breath,” said Dr. María Alonso, the attending cardiologist. “We only wanted to observe him for a few hours to confirm that the rhythm was stable and that there was no evidence of myocardial injury.”

Oscar was discharged the same day, with a set of follow‑up appointments scheduled at Chelsea’s medical facility for a repeat ECG and a cardiac MRI, should the need arise. He also received guidance on lifestyle modifications, including a gradual return to exercise under supervision.

Why this matters for football and medical protocols

Oscar’s case is not an isolated incident. The club’s medical director, Dr. Antonio Vargas, has highlighted that several retired players have undergone similar tests in the past. “We find a small percentage of athletes who present with subtle abnormalities,” he told ESPN. “The key is early detection and reassurance.”

The incident has prompted a review of the fitness‑testing protocol at Chelsea, with a view to incorporating additional cardiac imaging for players who test positive on the treadmill. The club’s medical staff also plans to expand the post‑career support programme to include mental‑health resources, acknowledging that unexpected health scares can trigger anxiety in former athletes.

Outside Chelsea, football governing bodies such as UEFA and FIFA are increasingly adopting stricter medical screening standards for retired players. According to a 2023 UEFA report, “retired players should be subject to an annual cardiovascular assessment, especially those who have played at the highest levels.”

Oscar’s next steps

After his discharge, Oscar returned to his coaching role at a youth academy in Madrid. He has been quoted in local media as grateful for the club’s support: “I have the best team of doctors and physiotherapists who treat you like family. That is why I chose to return to football in a new capacity.” He also indicated a desire to advocate for better health monitoring for all footballers, regardless of their current playing status.

Takeaway

The unexpected hospitalization of former Chelsea midfielder Oscar underscores the unpredictable nature of post‑career health checks in professional sports. While the medical team’s swift response prevented a potential crisis, the episode highlights the need for comprehensive cardiovascular screening protocols and robust post‑retirement support systems. For the football community, it serves as a reminder that the game’s physical demands can linger long after the final whistle, and that vigilance remains paramount.