He grew up poor, barely survived, and now he's loaded like a boat:

Oscar, former Brazilian footballer who rose from poverty to become one of the sport’s wealthiest players, has revealed he earned over $234 million during his eight-year stint with Chinese club Shanghai Port. The revelation came as part of a recent interview where he reflected on his career, financial decisions, and near-death experience after suffering a heart attack while training with São Paulo in 2023. The former Chelsea player joined Shanghai Port in 2017, leaving behind the Premier League for the lucrative opportunities in China. At the time, he described the decision as a calculated move driven by both personal and familial security. He stated that upon seeing the figure offered by the club, he was unable to sleep for two days. His wife had even joked that he could break his leg playing for Chelsea, but he chose instead to pursue financial stability for himself and his family. Oscar explained that he placed all his earnings into a separate account and never touched the money. Instead, he lived off the substantial bonuses provided by the club. During his tenure with Shanghai Port, he played 207 matches and scored 61 goals, becoming one of the standout stars of the league. Despite his success, he remained grounded, often speaking about his humble beginnings and the sacrifices made by his family. In 2023, Oscar's life took a dramatic turn when he suffered a cardiac arrest during a training session with São Paulo. He was revived within minutes but spent several hours in intensive care. He described the incident as feeling like a dream, though one filled with an eerie sense of unreality. He recalled waking up to hear his son calling him back to life, a moment he described as surreal yet deeply meaningful. Despite the trauma, Oscar has expressed no regret over his career choices. He emphasized that the financial security he gained through his time in China allowed him to live a normal life. “Today I can live a normal life,” he concluded, reflecting on the path that led him from poverty to wealth. His journey highlights the extreme financial rewards available to top-tier athletes in certain leagues, particularly in Asia. While many players choose to remain in Europe for the prestige and cultural familiarity, Oscar opted for the economic incentives that came with moving to China. His story has sparked discussions among fans and analysts about the trade-offs between financial gain and traditional sporting values. Oscar’s return to Brazil last year marked a new chapter in his life. After nearly losing his life, he has focused more on family and personal well-being. Though he no longer plays professionally, his legacy continues to inspire younger athletes who aspire to achieve similar levels of success. His willingness to speak openly about his experiences adds another layer to his already storied career.