The fitness world is mourning the loss of Arlindo de Souza, the Brazilian bodybuilder who rose to viral fame as the “Brazilian Popeye” for his cartoonishly oversized arms—achieved not through natural training, but through repeated, risky injections of synthetic oil. De Souza passed away on January 14, 2026, in Recife, Brazil, at the age of 55, following complications from kidney failure and subsequent cardiac arrest, according to reports from Globo News . His death marks a tragic end to a life defined by both spectacle and suffering—and stands as a stark cautionary tale about the dark side of body image obsession.
Table of Contents
- Who Was Arlindo de Souza?
- The Rise of the ‘Brazilian Popeye’
- How Oil Injections Work—and Why They’re Deadly
- Arlindo de Souza Dies After Years of Health Struggles
- Personal Tragedies and Late-Life Regrets
- The Hidden Epidemic of Synthol Use in Bodybuilding
- Conclusion: A Legacy of Warning, Not Glory
- Sources
Who Was Arlindo de Souza?
Born in Pernambuco, Brazil, Arlindo de Souza was not a competitive bodybuilder in the traditional sense. He never won major titles like Mr. Olympia or even national championships. Instead, he carved out a niche in the digital age by cultivating an extreme aesthetic—arms so swollen they resembled those of the cartoon sailor Popeye—that captivated millions online. At his peak, he boasted over 2 million followers across social media platforms, where he posted videos of his workouts, daily routines, and, controversially, his injection sessions.
The Rise of the ‘Brazilian Popeye’
De Souza’s fame exploded around 2015 when a video of him flexing his 28-inch biceps went viral. Unlike natural muscle growth, which takes years of disciplined training and nutrition, his size came from injecting a mixture of oil, lidocaine (a local anesthetic), and benzyl alcohol—commonly known as Synthol—directly into his triceps and deltoids. This practice, known as “site enhancement oil” (SEO) use, creates immediate, dramatic swelling that mimics muscle mass but carries severe health risks.
While many in the bodybuilding community condemned the practice as “fake,” others saw it as performance art or personal expression. De Souza leaned into the persona, often wearing sailor-themed outfits and signing autographs as “Popeye.”
How Oil Injections Work—and Why They’re Deadly
Synthol doesn’t build muscle—it simply fills the space between muscle fibers with oil, creating a balloon-like effect. Over time, this can lead to:
- Oil embolism: If injected improperly, oil can enter the bloodstream and travel to the lungs, brain, or heart, causing stroke or sudden death.
- Chronic inflammation and necrosis: The body treats the oil as a foreign invader, leading to tissue death and permanent scarring.
- Kidney and liver damage: As the body tries to metabolize or filter the foreign substances, vital organs become overburdened—a likely factor in de Souza’s kidney failure .
- Infections and abscesses: Non-sterile injections often lead to life-threatening bacterial infections.
The American Council on Exercise (ACE) has repeatedly warned that Synthol use has “no place in safe or ethical fitness practices” .
Arlindo de Souza Dies After Years of Health Struggles
In recent years, de Souza’s health visibly declined. In interviews, he admitted to constant pain, limited arm mobility, and frequent hospital visits. In a poignant 2024 YouTube video titled “I Regret It,” he tearfully urged young fans: “Don’t do what I did. This isn’t strength—it’s destruction.” He revealed he had stopped injecting years earlier but the damage was irreversible.
His final hospitalization began in late December 2025 with acute renal failure. Doctors attempted dialysis, but his kidneys—likely compromised by years of toxin exposure and poor metabolic health—shut down completely. He suffered cardiac arrest on January 14 and could not be revived .
Personal Tragedies and Late-Life Regrets
De Souza’s life was marked by profound loss. His younger brother, also a gym enthusiast, died in a motorcycle accident in 2018. His closest friend and training partner passed away from a drug overdose in 2021. These events, he said, deepened his isolation and fueled his obsession with physical transformation as a form of control in an unpredictable world.
Despite his fame, he lived modestly in Recife and often spoke about feeling “trapped” by his own image. “People only see the arms,” he once said. “They don’t see the man inside who just wanted to be loved.”
The Hidden Epidemic of Synthol Use in Bodybuilding
While de Souza was the most famous case, he wasn’t alone. A 2023 study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism estimated that up to 15% of amateur bodybuilders in Latin America and Eastern Europe have experimented with site enhancement oils—often sourced from unregulated online vendors .
Unlike anabolic steroids, which are monitored (though still abused), Synthol exists in a legal gray area and is rarely tested for in competitions. This lack of oversight makes it especially dangerous for impressionable young athletes seeking quick results.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Warning, Not Glory
Arlindo de Souza dies not as a hero of fitness, but as a human reminder of the perils of chasing extremes without regard for health. His story transcends bodybuilding—it speaks to the broader cultural obsession with appearance, virality, and instant gratification. In his final years, he tried to turn his pain into purpose by warning others. Now, it’s on us to listen. For more on safe muscle-building practices and the psychology of body image, explore our guide on [INTERNAL_LINK:healthy-bodybuilding-ethics].
Sources
- Globo News (Brazil). “Bodybuilder Arlindo de Souza, o ‘Popeye brasileiro’, morre aos 55 anos.” January 14, 2026.
- National Kidney Foundation. “How Toxins Affect Kidney Function.” kidney.org.
- American Council on Exercise (ACE). “The Dangers of Synthol and Site Enhancement Oils.” acefitness.org.
- Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. “Prevalence and Risks of Cosmetic Oil Injections Among Amateur Athletes.” Vol. 98, Issue 11, 2023.