Brazil soccer sees falling fan interest as ex‑star Oscar discloses massive Chinese earnings

Former Brazil international Oscar, who played for Chelsea and won two Premier League titles, moved to Shanghai Port in 2017 on a record £60 million transfer. He says he earned roughly ¥327 billion (about £150 million) during his Chinese stint, but “the whole salary was placed in another account and I never touched it; my family lived on match bonuses.”

A Datafolha poll conducted weeks after the 2024 World Cup shows Brazilian interest in soccer is declining. While 64% of adults still follow the sport, that is down eight points from 2022, and 36% now say they have no interest. Interest is higher among men (77%) than women (52%) and rises with education level – 49% of those with primary education, 67% with secondary, and 75% with higher education follow soccer. Brazil is set to host the 2027 Women's World Cup.