The renowned Spanish matador, Morante de la Puebla, recently opened up about the excruciating agony he faced after being severely gored during a bullfighting event in Spain.
Known as the “King of Bullfighters,” de la Puebla had to endure extensive surgery following a catastrophic incident during a performance at Seville’s Maestranza arena. The injury, which he described as “the most painful goring ever,” left him with severe damage after the bull’s horn pierced him.
From his hospital bed, the matador shared his harrowing experience in an Instagram video, saying, “The pain was immense, and I was terrified when the bull caught me. I feared I was bleeding heavily.”
He continued, “Once I reached the infirmary and realized the bleeding was minimal, I felt somewhat relieved, but the pain was still intense. It was undoubtedly the most painful goring I’ve experienced.”
At 46, de la Puebla had successfully handled three bulls when the fourth unexpectedly charged. According to El Mundo, this forced him to drop his cape and turn away, leaving him vulnerable.
In a dramatic turn, the bull drove its horn into de la Puebla’s rectum, resulting in a humiliating 4-inch tear. The matador was left clutching himself in agony before being carried off the arena by fellow matadors.
The battered bullfighter — who underwent extensive surgery to repair his rectal wall and sphincter — said he’s barely slept and has no appetite as he begins a long road to recovery.
“The truth is, I’m in a lot of pain,” Puebla said in the video, adding that he’ll be receiving IV nutrition through a catheter — something he’s never experienced before.
“I’ve gone through a pretty normal night of little sleep. I’ve got no appetite, and I’m hoping to get through it with, well, with a bit of patience.”
