Real-life Popeye who went viral for massive arms passes away
- By Web Desk -
- Jan 16, 2026
Arlindo de Souza, the viral bodybuilder known across the globe as a real-life Popeye, has died at the age of 55. He became famous for his staggering 29-inch arms, built using a risky mix of oil and alcohol injections that made headlines worldwide.
De Souza passed away at Otavio de Freitas Hospital in Recife, northeast Brazil, after suffering from severe kidney problems. Relatives say one kidney failed in December, followed by the other during the Christmas week, and complications with fluid in his lungs led to cardiac arrest before he could undergo dialysis. Hospital sources suggested multiple organ failure was the cause.
The viral sensation first caught the public’s eye through TV appearances in Brazil, where he showed off his extraordinary physique. Despite his massive arms, doctors repeatedly warned that his injection routine was dangerous and offered no real strength benefits. Fellow gym-goers who tried similar methods sometimes ended up with amputations or worse.
Locals remember him not just for his viral fame but also for his kind and playful personality. Friends and fans described him as someone who would stop and chat with anyone, always ready to pose for a photo. Messages posted on his social media pages mourned the loss, calling him a beloved figure in the community.
![Story from Jam Press (Popeye Bodybuilder Dies) Pictured: Arlindo de Souza. Bodybuilder dubbed ?Popeye? dies aged 55 A bodybuilder dubbed ?Popeye?, known for boosting his biceps with chemicals, has died at the age of 55. Arlindo de Souza reportedly suffered multiple organ failure and passed away in hospital yesterday (14 Jan). He gained fame after injecting homemade synthol into his arms to make them appear bigger. Arlindo was said to have the largest arms in Brazil and became a popular figure on national TV. He was referred to as the ?Brazilian Popeye? in his homeland. His artificially boosted biceps measured a staggering 29 inches, as reported by NeedToKnow. The 55-year-old, who lived with his mother in the coastal city of Olinda, was hospitalised with a kidney-related issue over the Christmas period. Arlindo?s niece said that one of his kidneys failed, leading his ?lungs to fill with fluid?. She added: ?He didn?t even make it to haemodialysis because he went into cardiac arrest.? His relative added that the family hasn?t been given the death certificate yet, but they understand his passing was ?due to multiple organ failure?. An announcement on social media called him a ?good guy, helpful, playful with his poses, and loved by the community?. Doctors previously warned Arlindo about the dangers of frequently injecting synthol into his arms, and he changed his opinion on the practice following the death of close pal Paulinho. The internet icon, better known online as Arlindo Anomalia, said at the time: ?[Paulinho] took it, I took it, but he went beyond the limit. ?I advise everyone to never take this oil. I felt his death a lot. ?I?ve stopped taking it, and other things as well. ?There is always a desire to start again, but I?m managing to control myself.? Arlindo, who had nearly 30,000 Facebook followers, added: ?Some people will end up losing an arm, others will need an operation, some may even lose their lives.? ENDS](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/SEI_280885123-e13e.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=626)
De Souza started working out as a teenager alongside his brother, who tragically died after being mugged. He never married, had no children, and worked odd jobs, including assisting as a bricklayer.
Over the years, Arlindo de Souza became a viral topic more than once, with stories about his enormous arms circulating globally. He openly admitted the dangers of the injections, sharing how friends had died attempting the same routine. Yet, despite the warnings, his story continued to capture worldwide attention.
![Story from Jam Press (Popeye Bodybuilder Dies) Pictured: Arlindo de Souza. Bodybuilder dubbed ?Popeye? dies aged 55 A bodybuilder dubbed ?Popeye?, known for boosting his biceps with chemicals, has died at the age of 55. Arlindo de Souza reportedly suffered multiple organ failure and passed away in hospital yesterday (14 Jan). He gained fame after injecting homemade synthol into his arms to make them appear bigger. Arlindo was said to have the largest arms in Brazil and became a popular figure on national TV. He was referred to as the ?Brazilian Popeye? in his homeland. His artificially boosted biceps measured a staggering 29 inches, as reported by NeedToKnow. The 55-year-old, who lived with his mother in the coastal city of Olinda, was hospitalised with a kidney-related issue over the Christmas period. Arlindo?s niece said that one of his kidneys failed, leading his ?lungs to fill with fluid?. She added: ?He didn?t even make it to haemodialysis because he went into cardiac arrest.? His relative added that the family hasn?t been given the death certificate yet, but they understand his passing was ?due to multiple organ failure?. An announcement on social media called him a ?good guy, helpful, playful with his poses, and loved by the community?. Doctors previously warned Arlindo about the dangers of frequently injecting synthol into his arms, and he changed his opinion on the practice following the death of close pal Paulinho. The internet icon, better known online as Arlindo Anomalia, said at the time: ?[Paulinho] took it, I took it, but he went beyond the limit. ?I advise everyone to never take this oil. I felt his death a lot. ?I?ve stopped taking it, and other things as well. ?There is always a desire to start again, but I?m managing to control myself.? Arlindo, who had nearly 30,000 Facebook followers, added: ?Some people will end up losing an arm, others will need an operation, some may even lose their lives.? ENDS](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/SEI_280885122-ac2d.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=640)
Today, residents of his neighborhood, Aguas Compridas in Olinda, paid tribute to the real-life Popeye behind the viral headlines. One called him a legend, another said he would never be forgotten.
Arlindo de Souza leaves behind a legacy of viral fame, extreme dedication, and a cautionary tale about the limits of the human body.