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, has sent shockwaves through the fitness community and among fans who admired his extraordinary physique. De Souza died on Tuesday in Recife, Brazil, after battling severe health complications for several weeks, as reported by Globo, a leading Brazilian news outlet.
De Souza had been hospitalized since December when his kidneys began to fail. Despite medical efforts to stabilize his condition, his health deteriorated rapidly. According to his family, one kidney failed initially, followed by the second just before Christmas. This led to fluid accumulation in his lungs, and he suffered cardiac arrest before doctors could commence haemodialysis, a critical treatment for kidney failure. An official death certificate has yet to be issued.
Controversial Fame and Health Risks
De Souza gained international attention for his massive arms, which measured nearly 29 inches, a result of injecting mineral oil and alcohol into his muscles. This controversial method enhanced the size of his arms but did not contribute to his physical strength. Medical professionals repeatedly warned him about the severe health risks associated with such practices.
His fame began in the early 2000s when he showcased his Popeye-like arms on Brazilian television. De Souza later admitted that he learned about the injections from a fellow gym-goer who introduced him to the oil mixture. Despite the allure of quick results, he eventually ceased using the injections and began advising young athletes against following his path.
A Life Marked by Personal Loss and Regret
De Souza’s life was deeply affected by personal tragedies. About a decade ago, he mourned the loss of his close friend Paulinho, who also used similar injections. In an interview with The Sun, De Souza expressed his grief, 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.”
He continued,
“I’ve stopped taking it, and other things as well, but there is always that will to start again. But I’m managing to control myself, to this day.”
Family loss shaped much of De Souza’s life. He began his fitness journey alongside his brother, who later died in a mugging incident. This tragedy spurred De Souza to focus more intensely on bodybuilding, eventually leading him to the dangerous practice of oil injections. 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.”
Legacy and Warnings for Future Generations
De Souza never married and had no children, living with his elderly mother, who remains unaware of his passing due to her fragile health. His life serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of extreme bodybuilding practices. His story emphasizes the importance of prioritizing health over appearance, a message he fervently shared in his later years.
The bodybuilding community and his fans are left to reflect on the risks associated with artificial enhancements and the pressures that drive individuals to such extremes. As the world remembers Arlindo de Souza, his legacy is a reminder of the potential consequences of prioritizing physical aesthetics over well-being.
As the fitness industry continues to evolve, De Souza’s story underscores the need for greater awareness and education on safe bodybuilding practices. His warnings to young athletes remain relevant and poignant, highlighting the importance of making informed decisions about health and fitness.
