Bullfighting is a popular and one of the riskiest sports on earth. It is a physical contest involving a bullfighter attempting to fight and kill a bull in the ring. The sport has taken numerous lives but equally produced the best bullfighters or matadors, who have triumphed over the bulls.

The sport is only prominent in a few countries, including Spain, Mexico, Portugal, France and Colombia. However, a majority of the best bullfighters today come from Spain. So, who are the top icons in the sport?

Best bullfighters in the world

The most popular names of male matadors come from Spain and Mexico. The sport originated in Spain in the sixteenth century before spreading to other countries. Manuel Rodríguez, Rafael Molina, and Pepe Luis Vázquez are the best Spanish bullfighters ever. Below is a list of the ten legendary Matadors from Spain, who are also the best globally.

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10. Julián López Escobar

Julian is a Spanish matador born in 1982 in Madrid and trained as a novillero in Mexico. He is one of the best bullfighters in Spain. Juli was good with the crutch and made it look easy when facing the bull.

9. José Tomás

Tomás was born in Galapagar (Madrid) in 1975. He displayed exceptional skills like great movements, courage, and stillness before the bull. José Tomás began bullfighting at a young age, inspired by his grandfather. He retired in 2002 but later appeared at the Monumental de Barcelona in 2012.

8. José Antonio Morante Camacho (Morante de la Puebla)

Jose's passion for bullfighting started when he was five years old. Unlike many matadors, the Spanish legend came from a non-bullfighting family. Camacho is considered the undisputed art bullfighter of the 21st century.

7. Miguel Báez (El Litri)

The Gandia-born star became a matador thanks to inspiration from his grandfather, father, and stepbrother, who also played the sport. Miguel was a fabulous athlete with numerous victories in his career. He highlighted the 1949 season with more than 100 novilladas.

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6. José Gómez Ortega (Joselito)

Some experts rank Joselito as the most-complete matador in history. He was an exceptional talent who inspired many people, including his son, brother, and grandson, to participate in the sport. He was one of the famous best bullfighters killed in the ring. In May 1920, Joselito was gored to death by a half-blind bull named "Bailador."

5. Juan Belmonte

Belmonte was one of the most critical and influential matadors. He was born in Seville on 14 April 1892. Many people consider him the "founder of modern bullfighting." Juan Belmonte first wore a matador's hat when he was 17 years old in a ring in Elvas, Portugal.

The legendary Spaniard championed the sport's golden age along with José Gómez and Rodolfo Gaona. His professional career lasted from 1913 to 1936, but unfortunately killed himself on 8 April 1962 in Seville.

4. Rafael Gómez Ortega (El Gallo)

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Rafael was known for his geniuses, elegance and astonishing moves. He is popularly called a non-combative matador because of his tendency to spare the bulls. Ortega was the first fighter to leave live bulls when he felt unfit to bully them.

3. Pepe Luis Vázquez

The Sevillian athlete had a unique movement called the "fishing cartridge." It involved waiting for the bull when the crutch folded to one side like a cartridge, then unfolding it quickly once it had arrived. Vazquez would then give a natural crutch pass with his feet together.

In 1988, the legendary fighter got a Gold Medal for Merit in Fine Arts award from the Spanish government following his heroic style of tackling the bull.

2. Manuel Rodríguez (Manolete)

Rodríguez's death shocked many people, but he left a legacy as one of the best bullfighters of all time. The bull Islero in Linares killed him in the ring on 29 August 1947. Manuel invented new passes and techniques that changed the art form beyond recognition.

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Many considered Manolete one of the best at performing the tercio de muerte - the kill. He popularized the Manoletina, a pass made with the small red cloth (muleta) used to attract the bull just before attempting the kill. His death got followed by a week of national mourning.

1. Rafael Molina (Lagartijo)

Molina was one of the strongest and bravest matadors of the 19th century and arguably the best bullfighter ever. Molina moved crowds with his daring moves and earned respect from colleagues.

Best rodeo bullfighters

American star, Dusty Tuckness, is the most decorated ProRodeo matador. Dusty has bagged numerous awards and titles, including ten PRCA Bull Fighter of the Year awards. He is also a two-time PBF Protection World Champion.

Other top rodeo matadors are Justin Rumford, Steve Kenyon, Trey Kimzey, Nathan Jestes, JW Harris, and Garrett Smith. They are among the best current bullfighters.

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Best bullfighters today

The 2022 BFO World Champion, Tyler Mansell, is among the top matadors of the current generation. Mansell also won the 2022 BFO Resorts World Championship. Four times World Champion Weston Rutkowski and two times World Champ Aaron "Mercy" Mercer are among the top names currently dominating the sport.

Meanwhile, Kaipo Stevens and Alex McWilliams lead the rising generation of matadors, expected to carry the sport to another level.

David Fandila Marín (El Fandi)

The Granada-born athlete is one of the current famous bullfighters in Spain. Fandila was born on 13 June 1981. He learned the technique and the spirit of bullfighting at a young age, inspired by his family. David is currently ranked number one among all bullfighters in Spain. Statistically, he is also the most skilled globally.

Spain continues to produce the best bullfighters worldwide, like David Fandila, because of the strong culture it holds on the sport. Many tourists around the globe often travel to the country to witness the fights and learn more about the culture.

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