Famous Spanish Bullfighters

Víctor Barrio Hernanz was a Spanish bullfighter known for his participation in bullfighting events across Spain. Tragically, he became the first bullfighter to be killed in Spain in over three decades during a bullfight at the Feria del Ángel festival in Teruel. Barrio's untimely death shocked the nation and led to the cancellation of many festival acts. His fatal encounter with the 529-kg bull Lorenzo left a lasting impact on the Spanish bullfighting community and garnered tributes from notable figures, including the Spanish Prime Minister.

Pedro Romero Martínez was a renowned bullfighter from Ronda, Spain, credited with advancing the art of using the muleta. He participated in bullfights in various cities, establishing his reputation by killing 285 bulls in a year. Known as the first matador to present bullfighting as an art form, he fought thousands of bulls without serious injury before retiring in 1799. Romero later headed a bullfighting school in Seville, influencing aspiring matadors with his classical style. His legacy lives on in the Plaza de Toros, where he made a significant impact.

Juan Antonio Ruiz Román, also known as Espartaco, is a retired Spanish bullfighter and cattle rancher. He achieved the top position in the bullfighting rankings for eight seasons in the 1980s and 1990s. Espartaco's career was marked by his exceptional skill and success in the bullfighting arena, earning him a reputation as one of the greatest bullfighters of his time. His dedication to the art of bullfighting and his consistent performance at the highest level solidified his legacy in the sport.

Adolfo Suárez Illana is a Spanish politician, lawyer, author, and bullfighting enthusiast. He studied at the University CEU San Pablo in Madrid and Harvard in the United States. In 1990, he published his first collection of poetry titled Sueños. He worked at Banco Popular before founding the law firm "Suárez & Illana S.L." in 1998. In 2002, he was chosen as the People's Party (PP) candidate for Premier of the Autonomous Community of Castile-La Mancha. He has been vocal about his anti-abortion views and has aligned with Vox on certain political issues.

Domingo Dominguín was a Spanish bullfighter who began his career participating in rural bullfights before taking his alternativa in Madrid in 1917. He initially performed well but experienced a decline in skill by 1922, prompting his retirement from the bullring. He then transitioned into managing bullfighters, including his son Luis Miguel Dominguín and son-in-law Antonio Ordóñez. Throughout his professional life, Dominguín played a significant role in shaping the careers of notable bullfighters and contributed to the legacy of bullfighting in Spain.

Antonio José Galán Casero fue un torero y empresario taurino español reconocido por su valentía y destreza en el ruedo. Debutó en 1968, tomó la alternativa en 1971 y se destacó por sus exitosas actuaciones en plazas importantes como Las Ventas y La Maestranza. A lo largo de su carrera, realizó un total de 27 paseíllos en Lima y destacó por su mano izquierda y su técnica única al entrar a matar sin muleta. Conocido como "El Loco Galán", fue considerado un embajador de España en América y propietario de la plaza de toros de Mijas. Se retiró en 1992, dejando un legado significativo en el mundo taurino.

Ángel Peralta Pineda, also known as Centauro de las Marismas, was a renowned Spanish rejoneador. Throughout his career, he achieved significant milestones in the world of bullfighting, including his public debut in Sevilla and performances in Las Ventas. Peralta's talent and skill led him to become a leading figure in the field, performing in numerous corridas and receiving accolades such as the Gold Medal of Merit in the Fine Arts. Apart from his success in bullfighting, he was also recognized for his literary contributions, writing philosophical aphorisms and poetry books.

Javier Conde is a renowned Spanish bullfighter hailing from Málaga, known for his exceptional skills and artistry in the bullfighting arena. Throughout his career, he has captivated audiences with his daring and precise techniques, earning him a reputation as one of the top bullfighters in Spain. Conde's performances showcase his deep understanding of the traditions and rituals of bullfighting, as well as his ability to connect with the audience through his passion and talent in the ring.

Francisco Montes Reina, known as Paquiro, was a renowned matador and celebrity in Spain. He initially aimed to become a surgeon but transitioned to bullfighting due to financial constraints. Reina made significant contributions to bullfighting history by establishing rules and fight order. He introduced the iconic "Traje de Luz" worn by bullfighters. Reina's skill and prominence in the arena were unmatched, earning substantial fees for his performances. Despite attempts to return post-retirement, he could not reclaim his former glory, concluding his career with a memorable fight in Madrid.

Juan José García Corral was a Spanish bullfighter known for his talent and achievements in the bullfighting arena. He took his Alternative in Manzanares in 1968 and confirmed it at Plaza de Las Ventas in Madrid in 1969. Despite facing vision problems due to a traffic accident, he continued to make significant contributions to the bullfighting world. He later became the director of the Salamanca Bullfighting School, where he trained and mentored young bullfighters. His dedication to the sport and leadership in the industry left a lasting impact on the bullfighting community.

Manene started his career as a torero at a young age, joining various bullfighting groups and eventually becoming a banderillero. He performed with renowned toreros such as Manuel Fuentes "Bocanegra" and Rafael Molina "Lagartijo". Tragically, his career was cut short when he suffered a fatal goring during a bullfight in 1888, succumbing to his injuries two days later. Despite his short career, Manene made a significant impact in the bullfighting world with his skills and dedication.

Juan Belmonte García was a renowned Spanish bullfighter known for his innovative techniques and remarkable contributions to the art of bullfighting. Over his career, Belmonte participated in a record number of bullfights, revolutionizing the sport with his unique style and approach. Despite facing challenges due to minor leg deformities, he adapted his techniques to overcome physical limitations, earning him a lasting legacy as one of the most influential figures in the history of bullfighting.

Juan José Padilla is a Spanish torero known for his bravery and resilience in the bullfighting arena. Despite suffering severe injuries throughout his career, including the loss of an eye, he continued to fight with determination and skill. He gained fame for his triumphant return to the bullring after a near-fatal goring, earning the nickname "The Pirate." Padilla's final tour of bull rings in Spain was marked by both successes and further injuries, culminating in a memorable retirement after a successful performance in Zaragoza.

Iván Fandiño Barros was a skilled and experienced Spanish bullfighter known for his passion and dedication to the sport. Throughout his career, he demonstrated remarkable courage and artistry in the arena, captivating audiences with his graceful movements and precise techniques. Fandiño's performances were marked by his deep respect for the traditions of bullfighting, earning him a reputation as a talented and respected matador. His tragic death in 2017 while facing a bull serves as a somber reminder of the risks inherent in this dangerous profession.

Paquirri was a renowned Spanish bullfighter known for his bravery and skill in the bullring. He achieved significant success and recognition in the bullfighting world for his daring and precise technique. Throughout his career, he faced many fierce bulls and emerged victorious in numerous bullfights, earning the admiration of fans and fellow bullfighters alike. His performances were characterized by his unwavering courage, composure, and artistry in handling the bull, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest matadors of his time.

Antonio Ordóñez Araujo, a renowned Spanish bullfighter, achieved great success and fame during his professional career. Known for his exceptional skill and artistry in the bullring, Ordóñez was celebrated for his daring and precise movements while facing the bulls. He became a prominent figure in the world of bullfighting, earning a reputation as one of the greatest matadors of his time. His performances captivated audiences and solidified his legacy as a master of the traditional Spanish spectacle.

El Cordobés, a Spanish bullfighter and actor active in the 1960s, revolutionized the bullring with his unorthodox acrobatic and theatrical style. Known for his daring and flamboyant approach to bullfighting, he captivated audiences with his fearless performances. His unique techniques and showmanship set him apart from traditional matadors, earning him widespread acclaim and popularity. El Cordobés' innovative style and charisma made him a prominent figure in the bullfighting world, leaving a lasting impact on the sport.

Cayetano Rivera Ordóñez is a renowned Spanish torero known for his skill and artistry in the bullfighting arena. With a career spanning several years, he has gained a reputation for his daring and precise technique, captivating audiences with his performances. Rivera Ordóñez has participated in numerous bullfights and has established himself as a prominent figure in the world of bullfighting. His dedication to the traditional art form and his commitment to honing his craft have earned him admiration and respect among fans and peers alike.

Francisco Rivera Ordonez, also known as Francisco de Asís Rivera Ordóñez, is a renowned Spanish bullfighter. He has established himself as a skilled torero through his performances in the bullfighting arena. Rivera Ordóñez has garnered a strong following and earned recognition for his bravery, technique, and showmanship in the traditional Spanish sport. Throughout his career, he has faced numerous bulls in the ring, showcasing his expertise and passion for the art of bullfighting.

Julián López Escobar, known as El Juli, is a renowned Spanish bullfighter with a distinguished career spanning decades. He has achieved great success and recognition in the bullfighting world for his artistry, skill, and daring performances in the bullring. El Juli is celebrated for his technical prowess, charisma, and ability to connect with audiences. His influence extends beyond Spain, as he has performed in major bullfighting events around the world, solidifying his reputation as one of the most talented and respected matadors of his generation.

Cristina Sánchez de Pablos is a trailblazing Spanish bullfighter who rose to fame in the 1990s as one of the pioneering female bullfighters. She made history as the first woman to achieve her alternativa in Europe, marking a significant milestone in the traditionally male-dominated sport. Throughout her career, Cristina showcased exceptional skill, courage, and determination in the bullring, challenging gender norms and inspiring future generations of female bullfighters. Her contributions have left a lasting impact on the world of bullfighting.

José Gómez Ortega, also known as Joselito, was a Spanish matador who achieved great fame during the early twentieth century. He was a child prodigy in bullfighting and became the youngest matador de toros at the age of 17. Joselito, along with his archrival Juan Belmonte, is credited with ushering in bullfighting's "Golden Age." Despite their professional rivalry, Joselito and Belmonte developed a close personal friendship. Tragically, Joselito was fatally gored by a bull named "Bailador" during a bullfight in Talavera de la Reina at the age of 25.

El Fandi, also known as David Fandila Marín, is a highly skilled matador hailing from Granada, Spain. Renowned for his exceptional talent, he currently holds the top ranking among all bullfighters in Spain. Beginning his career as a picador and later transitioning to a matador, El Fandi's journey to the top was marked by dedication and training at the Jose Antonio Martín Municipal School for Bullfighting in Almería. With numerous successful performances under his belt, he continues to captivate audiences worldwide with his mastery of bullfighting techniques.

Julio Aparicio Diaz, also known as Julito Aparicio, is a prominent Spanish bullfighter from Seville. With a career spanning several decades, he made his debut in the bullfighting arena at just fourteen years old in 1984. Aparicio's talent and dedication led to his confirmation as a torero, or matador, in 1994. Throughout his professional life, he has demonstrated exceptional skill and artistry in the bullfighting world, earning a reputation as a respected and accomplished figure in the industry.

Ignacio Sánchez Mejías was a prominent Spanish matador known for his skill and bravery in the bullfighting arena. He gained fame for his exceptional technique and daring performances. Tragically, his career was cut short by a fatal goring during a bullfight in the Plaza of Manzanares. Following his untimely death, he was honored and remembered by influential poets of the Generation of '27, particularly Federico García Lorca, who wrote a poignant tribute to him titled "Lament for Ignacio Sánchez Mejías".

Emilio Muñoz is a versatile professional known for his work as a Spanish film actor and bullfighter. With a career spanning several years, he has showcased his talent and passion in both the entertainment industry and the traditional art of bullfighting. Muñoz has earned recognition for his performances on the big screen, captivating audiences with his acting skills. In the bullfighting arena, he has demonstrated courage and skill, cementing his place as a respected figure in this cultural practice.

Enrique Ponce is a prominent Spanish bullfighter known for his skill and artistry in the bullring. With a career spanning several decades, he has established himself as one of the most successful and respected matadors in the world. Ponce has achieved numerous triumphs and accolades in the bullfighting arena, showcasing his mastery of the art form through his precise movements and daring maneuvers. His performances are characterized by elegance, grace, and a deep connection with the audience, solidifying his reputation as a true maestro of the bullfighting world.

Cayetano Ordóñez y Aguilera, also known as Niño de la Palma, began his bullfighting career in 1917 and quickly gained fame for his skill and daring in the ring. He made history in Ronda and Seville with his remarkable performances, becoming a sought-after bullfighter in Spain. His talent caught the attention of Ernest Hemingway, who used him as the model for a character in his novel. Cayetano retired from bullfighting in 1942 but continued to contribute to the sport as the director of the Lisbon School of Bullfighting until his passing in 1961.

Curro Romero, a Spanish bullfighter from Camas near Seville, began his professional career in 1954. He had his first corrida with horses in Utrera, Sevilla, and debuted in Madrid in 1957. Known for a long and irregular career, Romero retired at 66 after 42 years in the profession. Despite a lack of success on some occasions, he made a lasting impact in the bullfighting world. A bronze statue outside the bullring in Sevilla commemorates his contributions to the sport.

Francisco Romero was a pioneering Spanish matador credited with introducing the red cape (muleta) into bullfighting around 1726. He is considered the founding father of a bullfighting dynasty and a key figure in the modernization of bullfighting. He revolutionized the sport by facing bulls on foot, using the muleta and sword, and emphasizing the dramatic tension of the spectacle. Romero's success as a professional matador marked a fundamental shift in bullfighting art, elevating the role of the matador in the bullfight.

José Ortega Cano is a Spanish bullfighter who began his career in 1973 and had a successful year in 1986. He retired in 1998 but attempted a comeback in 2001 with less success. After his wife's passing in 2006, he re-entered retirement. He made his final bullfighting appearance in 2007. Additionally, he appeared on the Spanish version of Dancing with the Stars, where he showed no talent for dancing. In 2011, he was involved in a car accident resulting in a prison sentence for reckless driving.

Rafael Gómez Ortega, known as El Gallo, was an early twentieth-century bullfighter noted for his unique fighting techniques such as the espantada and fighting bulls from a chair. Despite occasional displays of bravery, his fights were often characterized by intermittent fear of the bulls. He was brought out of retirement seven times due to his entertaining style, eventually retiring in 1936. Ortega later struggled financially, receiving support from Juan Belmonte. He was briefly married to flamenco dancer Pastora Imperio before passing away in 1960.

Conchi Reyes Ríos is a Spanish bullfighter known for her groundbreaking achievements in a male-dominated sport. She made her public debut in 2007 and gained recognition for being the first woman to take two ears off a bull in 2011. Despite facing challenges and periods of inactivity, she persisted in pursuing her passion for bullfighting. Ríos has been featured on national lists of bullfighters and has performed alongside veteran bullfighters. She advocates for gender equality in the sport and has been recognized internationally for her dedication and talent.

Rafael Molina Sánchez, also known as Lagartijo, was a prominent Spanish bullfighter known for his exceptional skills and daring performances in the bullring. Throughout his career, Lagartijo gained fame for his precise and elegant style, captivating audiences with his mastery of the art of bullfighting. He achieved numerous victories and accolades, establishing himself as one of the most renowned bullfighters of his time. Lagartijo's legacy continues to influence the world of bullfighting, leaving a lasting impact on the sport.

José Miguel Arroyo Delgado, known as Joselito in the bullfighting world, started his professional career as a bullfighter in Seville at the age of sixteen. He achieved success both in Mexico and Spain, receiving prestigious awards for his skill in the ring. Despite facing serious injuries during his career, Arroyo Delgado continued to push forward, gaining a reputation for his controversial views on religion and his unique approach to bullfighting traditions. He is also the owner of a cattle ranch and has made a name for himself as a skilled and daring torero.

Domingo Ortega was a renowned Spanish matador who achieved great success in the bullfighting arena. He began his career by selling garlic in different towns during the off-season from farm work. Ortega ultimately gained fame for his exceptional skill, bravery, and artistry in the bullring. He quickly rose through the ranks to become a celebrated matador, known for his daring maneuvers and precise techniques. Ortega's performances captivated audiences and solidified his reputation as one of the top matadors of his time.

Miguel Báez Espuny, known as "El Litri," was a renowned Spanish bullfighter from a prominent bullfighting lineage. He surpassed his family members in fame and recognition, becoming a standout figure in the bullfighting world. El Litri's acclaim led him to star in his own film, "Litri and His Shadow," where he portrayed the central role. His son, Miguel Báez Spínola, also achieved recognition as a matador in the 1990s, following in his father's footsteps.

Rafael Guerra Bejarano, known as Guerrita, was a prominent Spanish bullfighter who rose to fame in the 1890s. He began his career as a banderillero before becoming a full-fledged matador in 1887. Guerrita gained recognition for his skill and daring in the bullring, culminating in a remarkable feat of killing nine bulls in three different cities in a single day. He retired from bullfighting in 1899 after a successful career of 891 bullfights and 2547 bulls killed, never receiving the three warnings.