José María Dols Samper, better known as José María Manzanares, is a bullfighter who has left an indelible mark on Spanish and global bullfighting. Born on January 3, 1984, in Alicante, Spain, he has followed in the footsteps of his father, José María Manzanares (Father), sharing not only a name but also a deep passion for bullfighting.

Promising Beginnings Manzanares made his public debut at the age of 16 in Campotéjar, Granada, showing a natural understanding and skill in the art of bullfighting from an early age. This debut marked the start of a promising career in the bullfighting world.

Rise as a Novillero Just a year after his first public appearance, Manzanares had his novillada in Nimes, France, on February 22, 2002, a place that has witnessed the birth of many bullfighting stars.

The Alternative in Alicante On June 24, 2003, in the bullring of his hometown, Alicante, Manzanares took the alternativa. Enrique Ponce, one of the greats of bullfighting, was his sponsor and Francisco Rivera was the witness. During this event, he demonstrated his skill by cutting two ears from his opponent, a sign of the triumphs to come.

Confirmation in Madrid On May 17, 2005, Manzanares confirmed his alternativa in the prestigious Las Ventas bullring in Madrid, with César Jiménez as his sponsor and Salvador Vega as the witness. This event solidified his status as one of the key figures in Spanish bullfighting.

A Bullfighter of Great Arenas Throughout his career, Manzanares has fought in the most iconic bullrings in the world, including La Maestranza in Seville, Las Ventas in Madrid, and the bullring of Pamplona. His style, characterized by deep composure and artistry with both the cape and muleta, makes him one of the most outstanding bullfighters of his generation.

Life and Legacy As the son of a renowned bullfighter and the brother of a rejoneador, bullfighting runs in Manzanares’ veins. In addition to his bullfighting career, José María has also dedicated time to education, pursuing university studies in Veterinary Medicine. His sword handler, Javier Castro, has been a key companion on his team.

José María Manzanares not only represents the tradition of Spanish bullfighting but also embodies the evolution of the art, taking his passion and skill to new heights with each performance. His legacy in bullfighting will continue to inspire future generations of bullfighters.