Morante de la Puebla bullfighting career status

Bullfighter Morante de la Puebla is preparing for a return to the ring following a period of uncertainty regarding his career. After an emotional performance in Madrid on October 12, 2025, where he signaled a temporary retirement—a moment marked by the bullfighter removing his hair ponytail in a gesture that stunned the audience—negotiations have led to a comeback. While Morante is scheduled to perform at the Feria de Abril following discussions with a promoter from Seville, he has indicated that he does not intend to return to the Las Ventas bullring in Madrid during the current year. However, he is set to return to the Las Ventas bullring on October 12, marking his appearance on the Día de la Hispanidad, exactly one year after his 2025 performance. This upcoming event, managed by Plaza 1, features a lineup including Aarón Palacio and Héctor Gutiérrez, with bulls from the Garcigrande and Núñez del Cuvillo ranches. On August 15, 2026, Morante de la Puebla achieved success during the third bullfighting event of the Feria de Begoña at the El Bibio bullring in Gijón. Performing before a full house, he earned two ears after delivering “extraordinary series of muletazos” against bulls from Núñez del Cuvillo. He shared the successful event with Pablo Aguado, who earned three ears, while Manzanares received ovations but failed to secure ears due to issues with the sword. Later in August 2026, during an event at La Malagueta in Málaga, Morante performed despite windy conditions and a physical setback. While working with bulls from Núñez del Cuvillo, he suffered a goring to the calf but continued his performance with bravery and poise. In September 2026, Morante performed in Mérida during a ‘Corrida Romana’ featuring bulls from Álvaro Núñez.