Young bullfighter dies in debut after being slammed against wall in front of crowd

A tragic scene unfolded at the Campo Pequeno Bullring in Lisbon, Portugal, where 22-year-old Manuel Maria Trindade lost his life during his debut performance.

A Debut Turned Tragic

Trindade, following in his father’s footsteps, was performing as a forcado—a role that involves provoking the bull into a charge for the traditional “face catch” (pega de cara). This daring act typically concludes a Portuguese bullfight, with several men lining up to subdue the charging animal.

But on Friday, August 22, the 700 kg (1,600 lb) bull struck with brutal force. Trindade grabbed its horns, but the enraged beast tossed him into the air before driving him into the arena wall. Nearly 7,000 spectators watched in horror as the young fighter suffered catastrophic head injuries.

Desperate Fight for His Life

Other bullfighters managed to subdue the animal, and Trindade was rushed to hospital. Doctors placed him in an induced coma, but despite their efforts, he succumbed 24 hours later to cardiorespiratory arrest.

This was supposed to be his first performance with the amateur troupe, a legacy carried down from his family. Instead, it became his last.

The Bull’s Fate and the Controversy

Unlike in Spain, Portuguese law prohibits killing the bull in the ring, and the animal’s fate remains unclear. Still, the event reignited global debates over bullfighting, a practice legal in Portugal, Spain, parts of France, and a few other countries.

Animal rights groups have long condemned bullfighting as cruel and outdated. Yet, supporters argue it is a centuries-old cultural tradition.

A Pattern of Deadly Incidents

Trindade’s death came just weeks after another fatal event in Colombia, where a 35-year-old man was gored during a festival known as corraleja. Such tragedies highlight the risks not only for participants but also the ongoing ethical debate surrounding these spectacles.

Final Thoughts

The loss of Manuel Maria Trindade has shocked the bullfighting world. For many, it is another reminder of the dangers of a tradition that continues to polarize opinion. Whether seen as cultural heritage or unnecessary cruelty, the risks for both human and animal are undeniable.