Arlindo de Souza, the Brazilian bodybuilder who became internationally recognized for his unusually large biceps, has passed away at age 55 in Recife, Brazil, according to Globo.
De Souza earned the nickname “Brazilian Popeye” due to his striking resemblance to the cartoon character, achieved through controversial methods that would eventually contribute to serious health complications. His biceps measured an astounding 29 inches in circumference, drawing attention from media outlets and television programs throughout the 2000s.
The bodybuilder’s distinctive physique resulted from injecting mineral oil into his arms, a practice he later came to regret. While the injections created a dramatic visual effect, medical professionals warned that the technique provided no actual strength benefits and posed significant health risks.
De Souza was hospitalized in December with renal failure. According to his nephew, Denis Gomes de Luna, one kidney initially shut down, followed by the second around Christmas. Fluid accumulated in his lungs, and he went into cardiac arrest before medical staff could perform hemodialysis, a critical treatment for kidney failure. An official certificate documenting the cause has not yet been issued.
The weightlifter’s journey began in his teenage years when he started training alongside his brother, who later lost his life during a mugging incident. Family members say this tragedy deeply affected de Souza and intensified his commitment to bodybuilding.
“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. Then he participated in several TV programs and gained some fame,” his nephew explained.
De Souza was first introduced to the injection method by someone at his gym. The practice brought him fame but also cost him dearly. About a decade ago, he lost a close friend named Paulinho who had also used similar methods.
“I felt his death a lot,” de Souza said at the time. “He took it, I took it, but he went beyond the limit. I advise no-one to take this oil.”
In his later years, de Souza discontinued the injections and dedicated himself to cautioning younger athletes about their dangers. “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,” he shared.
At the time of his passing, de Souza was unmarried with no children. He had been living with his elderly mother, who remains bedridden. According to family members, she has not yet been informed of her son’s passing.
