Diego Urdiales Hernández, better known in the bullfighting world as “Diego Urdiales,” is a distinguished Spanish matador whose career has been characterized by his artistic skill and deep understanding of the bullring. Born on May 31, 1975, in Arnedo, La Rioja, Urdiales has built a reputation as one of the most respected bullfighters of his generation.

First Steps in Bullfighting Urdiales made his public debut at the young age of 12 on St. Joseph’s Day in 1988 at the bullring in his hometown, Arnedo. This early debut marked the beginning of a life dedicated to the art of bullfighting.

Rise as a Novillero His debut as a novillero took place on March 21, 1992, also in Arnedo, laying the groundwork for a promising career that would soon take him to the main bullfighting stages in Spain and beyond.

The Alternative in Dax On August 15, 1999, Urdiales took the alternativa in the bullring of Dax, France. On this significant afternoon, he was sponsored by Paco Ojeda with Manuel Díaz “El Cordobés” as witness, two prominent figures in the bullfighting world who recognized his potential.

Confirmation of Alternative in Madrid The confirmation of his alternativa took place on July 8, 2001, at the prestigious Las Ventas bullring in Madrid. This event solidified his status as a matador de toros and reaffirmed his place in the heart of bullfighting.

Presence in Major Bullrings Throughout his career, Urdiales has fought in some of the most iconic bullrings in the bullfighting world, including La Maestranza in Seville, Las Ventas in Madrid, and La Glorieta in Salamanca. His style, which combines technique with an artistic sense of bullfighting, has made him a favorite among critics and fans alike.

Style and Mastery Urdiales is known for his artistic bullfighting and great craftsmanship in the ring, elements that reflect his deep understanding of the art and technique of bullfighting. His ability to interpret and execute memorable performances sets him apart as a bullfighter of high caliber.

A Family Affair In a gesture that underscores the importance of family in his career, Urdiales’ brothers, Rubén and Juan José, serve as his sword handlers, sharing and supporting his journey every step of the way.

Diego Urdiales continues to be a reference within the bullfighting world, respected for his integrity, dedication to bullfighting, and ability to capture the essence of the art in every performance. His legacy is a testament to the passion and commitment to bullfighting that defines his life and career.