Brazil’s top Men’s Open star is taking a step back from competition. In an Instagram post from May 18, 2026, Rafael Brandao announced a break from contests and plans to return bigger after an off-season.
Having secured gold at the prestigious Arnold Classic South America, Brandao remains one of the world’s best Open contenders. He used 2025 to add size to his physique, but his comeback didn’t go according to plan. At the 2026 Arnold Classic, he missed the mark and fell to sixth place.
Despite the setback, he rebounded successfully at the New York Pro en route to bronze. While he hoped to nail down an Olympia qualification, Brandao settled for another sixth-place finish at the stacked Pittsburgh Pro. Now with time to revamp his look, he shared why he’s taking the opportunity to make improvements.
Rafael Brandao Ends Competitive Season: ‘I Need a Break to Get Back to the Level I Was & Go Beyond’
In the Instagram post, Brandao reflected on the challenges he faced, including health issues.
“Friends, first of all I want to thank everyone for cheering for me. I run for you and my family. As you all know, in 2025 I faced some health issues and I truly believed that if I worked my hardest, gave my best to preparation and did everything that needed to be done, I would be able to deliver a good result.
I committed myself to be in the greatest championships in the world and I believed that it would be possible. Unfortunately, I couldn’t bring Brazil the result I wanted.”
He’s adamant that a break from contests could help him come back even stronger:
“In the latter years of my career, I have lived a path of constant evolution, competing and going head-to-head with the best athletes in the world in the Open category. But this time it wasn’t like this. And I recognize it.
At this point, I need a break to get back to the level I was and go beyond. I could continue to compete and win the position, as I have in recent years, but I don’t want to get back on the stage without introducing Evolutionary Physique, which I know I can show.”
He believes an off-season will allow him to pack on size so he can represent Brazil at his best moving forward.
“So I’m gonna take a break to get a good offseason done and then come back to the game with a new and bigger set. I know some of you will support me and agree with this decision, and I know others probably won’t. But this is the right thing to do. And I will do what needs to be done to represent Brazil again among the best in the world.”
“More than any result, I am still driven by the passion I have for this sport and the desire to honor everyone who believes in me! 🙏🏻,” Rafael Brandao shared.
Brandao has placed as high as eighth at the Mr. Olympia (2024), making him easily one of the sport’s most promising talents. It will be interesting to see if he returns at his all-time best after taking some time away from shows.
