World2 min(s) read
Published 10:32 23 Apr 2026 GMT
Veteran Spanish matador Morante de la Puebla has spoken publicly after sustaining a severe injury in an awkward area during a bullfight in Spain, describing the “immense pain” he experienced.
The 46-year-old, often referred to as the “King of Bullfighters,” required hours of extensive surgery after being seriously wounded during a performance at Maestranza arena in Seville. He later described the incident as “the most painful goring ever.”
Speaking from his hospital bed in a video shared to his followers online, he said: “I was in immense pain, felt a lot of fear because I saw the bull had grabbed me and, well, I thought I was bleeding.”
He added: “By the time I got to the infirmary and saw that the bleeding was minimal, I relaxed quite a bit, but of course, it hurt a lot. Without a doubt, it was the most painful goring ever.”
The incident occurred after he had already faced three bulls. During the fourth encounter, the animal suddenly charged, catching him off guard. He dropped his cape and turned, leaving himself exposed as he tried to move away, at which point the bull struck him.
He was left seriously injured and had to be carried out of the arena by fellow matadors before undergoing surgery to repair the damage.
Following the operation, Puebla said his recovery has been difficult. “The truth is, I’m in a lot of pain,” he explained, noting that he has struggled to sleep and has little appetite. He also said he is currently receiving nutrition through an IV catheter, something he had never needed before.
The matador now faces a lengthy recovery after the traumatic incident that has left him with stitches in a region that would leave many wincing.
With the traditional Spanish event very much still a mainstay in the country, the injury sustained by De la Puebla has brought the sport’s safety and ethicality into further question, with animal rights groups calling for the controversial bullfighting to be banned.
