SEVILLA, Spain — April 21, 2026 A 46-year-old bullfighter was severely injured in Sevilla after being gored by a 500-kilogram bull named Clandestino during a traditional corrida, reigniting debates over the safety and ethics of bullfighting in Spain. The matador sustained deep wounds to his rectum and intestines when the bull attacked him from behind with its long, sharp horns. The incident occurred at the historic Arena La Maestranza, a venue known for its high-profile bullfighting events.

The Incident

According to Spanish media reports, the bullfighter was gored while unloading the animals, a dangerous phase of the event where bulls are moved into the arena. The bull, weighing over 500 kilograms, struck the matador with such force that the injuries were immediately life-threatening. Medical teams rushed to the scene, and the matador was transported to a nearby hospital for emergency surgery.

This is not the first time such an incident has occurred. In 2016, famed bullfighter Víctor Barrio was killed in Teruel when a bull’s horn pierced his heart. The latest incident has once again raised questions about the risks associated with the centuries-old tradition.

The Debate Over Bullfighting

Bullfighting remains a deeply divisive practice in Spain, with supporters arguing it is an integral part of cultural heritage, while opponents condemn it as animal cruelty. Spanish media reports suggest dozens of fatalities have occurred since the early 20th century, though exact statistics are scarce.