The moment bullfighter Morante de la Puebla is gored by the bull “Clandestino.” Credit: Joaquín Corchero / RTVE
Spanish bullfighter Jose Antonio Morante Camacho, known by his stage name Morante de la Puebla, remains in serious condition after suffering a horn wound in the Seville bullring on Monday, April 20, 2026. A 500-kilo (1,100-pound) specimen reached the 46-year-old professional during the fourth turn of the afternoon and launched him violently through the air. The attack caused severe internal damage that required emergency surgery to stop the initial hemorrhage.
Doctors performed an initial stabilization in the infirmary of La Maestranza bullring. He was later transferred to a more complex center, which allowed a team of surgeons to treat the injuries in a high-complexity environment. After surgery, Morante de la Puebla was admitted to the intensive care unit.
Deep damage to the intestinal wall
The surgery focused on repairing the destruction caused by the animal’s horn from the gluteal area to the final section of the digestive system. The official medical report indicates that the horn penetrated 10 centimeters (3.9 inches) through the gluteal area. In its path, the horn reached the rectum and caused a 1.5-centimeter (0.6-inch) hole in the wall of this duct.
Due to the location of the wound, surgeons installed drainage tubes to prevent the accumulation of dangerous fluids that could compromise the surgery. These measures seek to reduce the risk of immediate postoperative complications while the patient remains under strict observation in the critical care unit.
Intensive treatment to prevent infections
Morante de la Puebla’s health requires monitoring due to the high risk of bacterial contamination. Since the operated area has high exposure to microorganisms, the patient is receiving intense doses of antibiotics. Therefore, doctors maintain a strict restriction on visits, although the bullfighter is conscious.
EXCLUSIVA/ Morante de la Puebla sale de la UCI: “Temía que me hubiera alcanzado las tripas” @ElMundoToros https://t.co/RWgGaEa0fN
— zabala de la serna (@zabaladelaserna) April 21, 2026
Until this moment, the practitioners have avoided giving an estimated recovery time or ensuring the definitive stability of the injured man. Given that the affected area is especially sensitive, the prognosis remains “very serious” under constant observation. The medical team monitors the body’s response to the medication and the evolution of the repaired tissues.
History of gorings in Colombia
The danger of injuries from goring has tragic precedents in the history of bullfighting on Colombian soil. Bullfighter Pepe Caceres died in 1987 due to complications from a chest wound that occurred in the city of Sogamoso. The bull’s horn destroyed the lung of the bullfighter, who died after a month of agony in a hospital in Bogota.
In 1990, Bogota-born bullfighter Cesar Rincon survived an almost fatal injury to the femoral vein. The incident occurred in the city of Palmira (Valle) and required a prolonged recovery before his return to the arenas. Subsequently, the Bogota native achieved historical success in Madrid during 1991 and consolidated his career as an international figure in bullfighting.
Closure of bullfighting activity in Colombia
The Colombian Congress approved the “No mas Ole” law that prohibits shows with animals throughout the national territory starting in July 2027. For this reason, the 2026-2027 bullfighting calendar represents the last opportunity to hold these events in the South American country. The new animal protection regulations force the current period to be the definitive closure of performances in public arenas.
This decision entails the transformation of the old arenas into cultural centers and spaces for massive concerts by the national government. Thus, cities such as Bogota, Medellin, and Cali will close their historic arenas after the ban comes into effect. Colombia thus joins the nations that reject the use of animals for public entertainment through legislation.