Julián López Escobar, known worldwide as “El Juli,” is a bullfighter who has left an indelible mark on the history of bullfighting. Born on October 3, 1982, in San Blas-Canillejas, Madrid, he began his bullfighting career at an incredibly young age, showing a talent and passion that soon catapulted him to global fame.

First Steps in the Ring El Juli made his public debut at the age of 10 during the traditional festivals of his mother’s hometown in 1993. His precocity and skill with young bulls already indicated that he was destined for great things in the bullfighting world.

A Young Novillero in Mexico Due to age restrictions in Spain, El Juli and his family decided to move to Mexico, where he debuted as a novillero on August 3, 1997, at the Monumental de México, one of the most important stages for any bullfighter.

A Historic Debut as a Matador At 15 years old, El Juli took the alternativa at the Plaza de Toros in Nimes, France, on September 18, 1998. José María Manzanares acted as his sponsor and Ortega Cano as a witness, in an event that made him the youngest bullfighter to achieve this status. Since then, his career has only ascended.

Global Arenas and Unmatched Style El Juli has fought in the most emblematic bullrings worldwide, such as the Monumental de México, Las Ventas in Madrid, La Maestranza in Seville, among others. His style is notable for the diversity and originality of his repertoire with the cape, including more than 30 different quites, some learned in Mexico and others invented by him, such as the “lopecinas” or the “escobinas,” named in honor of his parents.

Legacy and Retirement With a career spanning 1829 bullfights, El Juli retired on October 1, 2023, at the Feria de San Miguel in Seville, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and mastery in the art of bullfighting. His farewell not only marked the end of an era for him as a matador but also left a historic night etched in the memory of all bullfighting fans. Additionally, his contribution to the art was recognized with the Gold Medal for Merit in the Fine Arts, a testament to his impact on Spain’s culture and art.

Julián López “El Juli” has been a bullfighter who defined a generation, revolutionizing the art of bullfighting with his skill, creativity, and indomitable spirit that made him a living legend.