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Spanish Bullfighting Legend Morante de la Puebla Seriously Injured During Comeback in Seville
Morante de la Puebla, often hailed as the “king of bullfighters,” suffered a grave injury during his return to the bullring in Seville on Monday, casting a shadow over the traditional sport at a time when it is already grappling with waning popularity and increasing controversy.
The celebrated matador, who had announced a surprise retirement last October after a storied and tumultuous career, stepped back into the spotlight with hopes of reigniting passion for bullfighting. However, his comeback was abruptly halted when a miscalculated move allowed the bull to impale him with its horn.
During the performance at the historic Maestranza arena, the bull unexpectedly charged at Morante’s hip, bypassing his cloak. In a violent upward motion, the bull’s horn struck deeply, causing a severe wound to Morante’s lower body. The bullfighter appeared unresponsive as he was carried off the ring, with visible blood on the bull’s horn underscoring the severity of the incident.
Medical reports detailed the injury as a 10-centimeter wound affecting critical areas including the anus and sphincter muscles, with perforation of the rectum. Surgeons conducted a lengthy and complex operation to clean and repair the damage, inserting drainage to aid recovery. His condition remains serious.
Morante’s career has been marked by both acclaim and danger. Before his initial retirement, he had secured 49 victories, earning prestigious trophies such as 55 bulls’ ears and three tails. His path was frequently interrupted by injury, with 26 appearances canceled over the years.
The injury and Morante’s condition come amid a turbulent period for bullfighting in Spain. Despite a dramatic 75% drop in attendance over the past two decades, government support for the sport recently surged, with a record $141 million subsidy approved in 2026. Yet public opinion is shifting sharply-85% of Spaniards under 35 favor ending bullfighting, and a historic petition with over 700,000 signatures seeks to repeal protective legislation.
Morante was widely credited with breathing new life into bullfighting, captivating audiences with his artistry and inspiring a new generation of fans. Bullfighting critic Antonio Lorca praised him as “a genius, a being born to make beauty dream; a revolutionary, a complete artist, pure feeling, brave, master of a prodigious technique and a dazzling capacity for inspiration.”
As Morante fights to recover, the future of bullfighting in Spain remains uncertain, caught between tradition, public sentiment, and the risks inherent in the sport.