Oscar and Major League Soccer (MLS) are on the verge of what feels like an inevitable match. The Brazilian, who’s still under contract with Shanghai Port until the end of 2024, has made it pretty clear he’s looking for a change. And let’s face it, he’s ready to bring the talent that lit up Europe and Asia to the soccer fields of the U.S. If we’re going by his recent vacation to Orlando, it’s looking more and more like this dream could become reality in 2025—with Orlando City.
Now, Oscar’s no average player. He’s not just that promising kid who broke through at Internacional and later became a key part of Chelsea’s success. He’s a seasoned veteran now, who’s played on the biggest stages and racked up a nice bank account along the way. On top of that, he’s gathered experience in different soccer markets. With that kind of résumé, it’s easy to see why he’s got his eyes on MLS. For a long time, this league was seen as a “retirement home” for aging stars, but things have definitely shifted. Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami—followed by Suárez, Busquets, Alba, and the gang—has given the league a whole new level of credibility. Suddenly, all eyes are on MLS, and not just for the goals or flashy moves. The league now has weight, visibility, and a story that pulls people in.
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Oscar’s willingness to swap China for the U.S. isn’t just a random thought either. He’s mentioned before that the level of soccer in both countries isn’t all that different, but what might tip the scale for him is the whole package the U.S. offers. We’re talking about stability for his family, a higher quality of life, and a market that could open up opportunities beyond just kicking a ball around. Oscar’s looking at this as a chance to move forward both on and off the field. After all, soccer’s not the only part of life—knowing how to live outside the game matters too. And the U.S. checks all those boxes for him and his family.
Recently, Oscar was on vacation in Orlando. Just a coincidence? Yeah, I don’t think so. He and his family enjoyed the city, hit up all the theme parks, and fell in love with it. Seeing Orlando as the “perfect place to live” seems to have really struck a chord with him. It’s not just the games; it’s the lifestyle, the comfort, the infrastructure. Orlando’s got way more to offer than just Mickey Mouse and Harry Potter. Oh, and he also had some chats with the Orlando City management—both over the phone and in person.
At 32 (in 2025), Oscar might not have the same speed or physicality that made him stand out at the start of his career, but he’s still got plenty of gas in the tank. He’s evolved into a cerebral midfielder—the kind of guy who controls the pace of the game with his sharp passing and incredible vision. Exactly the type of player MLS loves: experienced, technically gifted, and a big name to grab attention. If Orlando City can land this signing, it’ll be a major marketing win. Oscar might just be the missing piece that propels them to the next level in terms of competitiveness.
MLS has been underestimated for years, but the arrival of players like this forces fans and the media to take a second look. And who knows, Oscar could be one of the drivers behind this new movement.
Plus, Oscar’s not just thinking short-term here. Moving to the U.S. opens up a whole range of possibilities beyond the soccer field. The U.S. market is massive when it comes to entertainment and sports, and Oscar can tap into that. MLS is throwing big money into marketing, partnering with major companies, and having a name like his at Orlando City will boost that visibility even more. Not just for the club, but for Oscar’s personal brand as well.
The bottom line is, Oscar’s made it pretty clear he’s interested in MLS. He sees the U.S. as a land of opportunity, and Orlando City seems like the perfect destination. Oscar’s still tied to his contract in China until the end of 2024, but all signs point to his top priority for 2025 being to suit up in Orlando City’s purple. And if Oscar can bring the same magic he did at Chelsea and with the Brazilian national team, the future of MLS is looking seriously bright.