The bodybuilding world is mourning the loss of a controversial figure known for extreme and dangerous methods to achieve a superhuman physique. Arlindo de Souza, the Brazilian bodybuilder famously nicknamed 'Popeye,' has died at the age of 55 after suffering severe health complications linked to his past practices.
The Tragic End of 'Brazilian Popeye'
De Souza passed away on Tuesday in the Brazilian city of Recife, according to reports from Globo. His death followed a difficult health battle that began in December. The bodybuilder was hospitalized due to complications from renal failure, a condition where the kidneys stop working properly.
His nephew, Denis Gomes de Luna, provided heartbreaking details to the press. He explained that one of De Souza's kidneys failed first, followed by the second around Christmas. Before doctors could begin haemodialysis, a critical treatment for kidney failure, fluid built up in De Souza's lungs and he suffered cardiac arrest. An official death certificate confirming the exact cause is still pending.
A Notorious Path to Fame
Arlindo de Souza shot to international notoriety in the 2000s for his incredibly bulky arms, which measured a staggering 29 inches around. His fame was built on a perilous secret: he regularly injected a cocktail of mineral oil and alcohol directly into his muscle tissue to inflate their size.
He was first introduced to the method by an acquaintance at his gym. The practice, sometimes called "synthol" or site enhancement oil injection, is known to cause severe damage, including infections, nerve damage, and organ failure. De Souza's physique earned him television appearances and the enduring nickname 'Brazilian Popeye,' but it came at a tremendous cost.
A Cautionary Tale and a Friend Lost
De Souza's story is intertwined with tragedy beyond his own. Around a decade ago, he revealed that he had lost a close friend, named Paulinho, who also participated in the same hazardous injections. "I felt his death a lot," De Souza told The Sun at the time. "He took it, I took it, but he went beyond the limit. I advise no-one to take this oil."
This loss marked a turning point. De Souza claimed he stopped the injections and dedicated himself to warning younger athletes about the extreme dangers. However, he admitted the struggle was real, saying, "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."
His death serves as a stark and somber reminder of the lethal risks associated with seeking rapid physical transformation through unregulated and dangerous substances. The bodybuilding community, especially in Nigeria where fitness culture is growing, is urged to heed this tragic warning and pursue health through safe, supervised training and nutrition.
