Arlindo de Souza, the Brazilian bodybuilder famously known as the “Brazilian Popeye,” has passed away at the age of 55. His death, attributed to kidney failure linked to his notorious use of oil injections, has sent ripples through the fitness community and beyond. De Souza died on Tuesday in Recife, Brazil, after battling severe health complications for weeks, as reported by Globo, a prominent Brazilian news outlet.
De Souza had been hospitalized since December when his kidneys began to fail. Despite doctors’ efforts, his health deteriorated rapidly. His family revealed that one kidney ceased functioning first, followed by the second just days before Christmas. The situation worsened as fluid accumulated in his lungs, leading to cardiac arrest before haemodialysis could be initiated. An official death certificate has yet to be issued.
The Rise and Fall of the “Brazilian Popeye”
De Souza gained international recognition for his extraordinary arm size, which measured nearly 29 inches in circumference. This remarkable transformation was achieved through the injection of mineral oil and alcohol into his muscles, a practice he later admitted did not enhance his strength. Despite warnings from medical professionals about the severe health risks, De Souza’s pursuit of physical grandeur continued to captivate audiences.
His journey into the world of bodybuilding began in the early 2000s, when he showcased his Popeye-like arms on Brazilian television. The allure of instant fame led him to experiment with the dangerous oil mixture, introduced to him by an acquaintance at his gym. Over time, De Souza recognized the peril of his actions and became an advocate against the use of such substances, particularly warning young athletes.
Lessons from a Life of Extremes
De Souza’s story is not only one of personal ambition but also of caution. Approximately a decade ago, he publicly mourned the loss of his close friend Paulinho, who succumbed to the same risky practices. In a candid interview with The Sun, De Souza expressed his sorrow, stating,
“I felt his death a lot. He took it, I took it, but he went beyond the limit. I advise no-one to take this oil.”
Despite his own struggles, De Souza managed to refrain from returning to the injections, though he admitted the temptation lingered.
His life was also marked by personal tragedy. As a teenager, De Souza began his fitness journey alongside his brother, who was later killed in a mugging. This loss profoundly impacted him, driving him further into bodybuilding. His nephew, Denis Gomes de Luna, recounted to Globo,
“After losing his brother, he started focusing more on working out, joined some people from his neighborhood, and began injecting oil until he looked like that.”
Family and Legacy
De Souza never married and had no children, dedicating much of his life to his family. He lived with his elderly mother, who remains unaware of his passing due to her fragile health. His story serves as a somber reminder of the extremes some go to in pursuit of physical perfection and the potential consequences of such choices.
The announcement of De Souza’s death comes as the bodybuilding community continues to grapple with the pressures and risks associated with performance enhancement. His life and untimely death underscore the importance of health and safety over aesthetic achievements.
As the world reflects on the legacy of the “Brazilian Popeye,” the conversation around safe bodybuilding practices and the dangers of synthetic enhancements is likely to intensify. De Souza’s story, while tragic, offers valuable lessons for aspiring athletes and serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of extreme body modification.
