Oscar Reveals He Never Spent His £175 Million China Salary During Seven-Year Spell

Former Chelsea and Brazil midfielder Oscar has revealed that he never spent the massive salary he earned during his seven-year career in China, choosing instead to save every penny while relying on match bonuses to cover his family’s expenses.

The former Brazilian international made the surprising disclosure while reflecting on his financial discipline during his time with Shanghai Port FC, where he became one of the highest-paid footballers in the world.

Oscar joined the Chinese club, then known as Shanghai SIPG, from Chelsea in 2017 in a transfer reportedly worth around £60 million. The move attracted global attention as it came at a time when several Chinese Super League clubs were investing heavily in world-class players.

His contract reportedly earned him approximately £400,000 per week, with estimates suggesting he accumulated between £150 million and £175 million in salary during his seven seasons in China.

Despite the enormous earnings, Oscar said he adopted a strict financial strategy by separating his salary from his day-to-day finances. According to the former midfielder, he placed all of his wages into a dedicated account and never withdrew from it.

Instead, he and his family lived entirely on the substantial performance and match bonuses he received throughout his time with the club.

Oscar explained that the bonuses were more than enough to support his lifestyle, allowing him to preserve his salary untouched throughout his stay in China. His comments have drawn widespread admiration from football fans, many of whom praised his discipline and long-term approach to managing wealth.

On the pitch, Oscar enjoyed one of the most successful periods of his career in the Chinese Super League. He played a key role in Shanghai Port’s rise as one of the country’s dominant clubs, helping the team win three league titles while establishing himself as one of the league’s standout performers.

During his time with the club, the attacking midfielder scored 77 goals and contributed numerous assists, cementing his legacy as one of the most influential foreign players to compete in Chinese football.

After leaving China, Oscar returned to his home country to continue his career with São Paulo FC, where he spent the final chapter of his professional journey.

The former Chelsea star eventually retired from professional football in 2026 following a heart-related medical issue, bringing an end to a career that saw him play at the highest level in Brazil, England, China, and for the Brazilian national team.

Oscar’s revelation offers a rare insight into the importance of financial planning in professional sports. While many athletes have faced financial difficulties after retirement despite earning substantial incomes, the former midfielder’s disciplined approach demonstrates the value of careful money management and long-term financial security.

His story serves as an example that success in football is not only measured by trophies and achievements on the pitch but also by making wise decisions that secure life beyond the game.