Spain’s Leading Matador Morante de la Puebla Gored During Comeback Bullfight in Seville

Spanish bullfighting legend José Antonio Morante, widely known as Morante de la Puebla, was seriously injured after being gored by a bull during a comeback performance in Seville on April 20, 2026. The incident occurred at the city’s historic Maestranza arena, marking his first appearance since announcing retirement the previous October.

Video footage and eyewitness accounts show the bull catching Morante off-guard during a pass, driving its horn into his hip before jerking upward and goring him in the buttocks. Medical personnel confirmed a 10-centimeter wound that penetrated the rectum and affected the sphincter muscles. He was immediately lifted from the ring and transported to a hospital for emergency surgery.

Despite the severity of the injury, Morante remained conscious and later told El Mundo newspaper from his hospital bed: “It was the most painful goring I have ever suffered in my career. I felt enormous pain and I was very scared given that I could tell that the bull had gored me and I thought I was bleeding a lot.” He added that upon realizing the bleeding was not profuse, he “relaxed quite a bit” despite the ongoing pain.

Surgeons performed an extensive procedure to clean the wound, reconstruct the rectal wall, and insert drainage. His condition was initially described as very serious, but he has since stabilized and is reported to be recovering.

Morante de la Puebla, 46, is regarded by many as one of Spain’s finest matadors in recent years. Known for his distinctive bushy sideburns and artistic style in the ring, he had previously won 49 bullfighting contests and earned 55 bulls’ ears and three tails before his retirement announcement. Throughout his career, he withdrew from 26 scheduled appearances due to various injuries.

The goring has reignited debate over the risks inherent in bullfighting, particularly for aging performers returning to the ring after retirement. Fellow professionals and fans have expressed concern for his health, even as acknowledging his enduring courage and skill.

As of April 21, 2026, Morante remains under medical supervision, with updates on his recovery expected in the coming days.