Antonio Ordóñez Araujo

Antonio Ordonez, Spain, 1959

Antonio Ordóñez Araujo (February 16, 1932 – December 19, 1998) was a renowned Spanish bullfighter from Ronda, Spain. He is considered one of the greatest bullfighters of the 20th century and is celebrated for his skill, artistry, and contributions to the sport of bullfighting.

Early Life[edit | edit source]

Antonio Ordóñez was born into a family with a rich bullfighting heritage. His father, Cayetano Ordóñez, known as "El Niño de la Palma," was also a famous bullfighter. Growing up in this environment, Antonio was exposed to the world of bullfighting from a young age and began training under the guidance of his father.

Career[edit | edit source]

Antonio Ordóñez made his debut as a novillero (novice bullfighter) in 1948 and quickly gained recognition for his talent. He took his alternativa (the ceremony in which a novice becomes a full matador) on June 28, 1951, in Madrid, with Julio Aparicio Martínez as his godfather and Manuel Jiménez Moreno as his witness.

Throughout his career, Ordóñez was known for his classical style and technical proficiency. He was a master of the veronica, a fundamental bullfighting maneuver, and was highly respected for his ability to perform with grace and precision. His rivalry with Luis Miguel Dominguín was legendary and was famously chronicled by Ernest Hemingway in his book The Dangerous Summer.

Personal Life[edit | edit source]

Antonio Ordóñez married Carmen González Lucas, and they had two daughters, Carmina Ordóñez and Ana Belén Ordóñez. His family continued the bullfighting tradition, with his grandson, Francisco Rivera Ordóñez, also becoming a prominent bullfighter.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Antonio Ordóñez's contributions to bullfighting have left a lasting impact on the sport. He is remembered not only for his skill and artistry but also for his dedication to preserving the traditions of bullfighting. The annual Corrida Goyesca in Ronda, which he helped to revive, remains a significant event in the bullfighting calendar.