A frightening incident was recorded on September 12 at the arena in Arles, southern France, during the Feria du Riz event. Peruvian bullfighter Andrés Roca Rey was caught by the horns of a 540-kilogram bull and dragged around the arena for several seconds.
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The animal, named Vicioso, was the fifth bull to enter the arena that afternoon. Footage released shows the moment it attacked Roca Rey, lifted the 29-year-old off the ground and held him trapped between its horns.
As he tried to free himself and hold on to the animal, the bull continued moving around the arena. The situation lasted more than 10 seconds, until the bullfighter’s colleagues and assistants intervened.
About 10 people moved in to stop the bull and free Roca Rey from its horns. Other bullfighters then used their capes to attract Vicioso’s attention and draw it away from the 29-year-old.
Although he had just gone through a dangerous ordeal, Roca Rey decided not to leave the arena. Just a few minutes later, he returned to continue his confrontation with Vicioso.
His comeback ended successfully. For his encounter with this bull, the Peruvian was awarded two ears and a tail, while by the end of the entire afternoon he had accumulated three ears and a tail.
Andrés Roca Rey is regarded as one of the most important figures in modern bullfighting. His extremely courageous approach and the fact that he gets very close to the animals have brought him great fame, as well as the nickname “the Messi of bullfighters.”
Roca Rey was born in Peru, but at the age of 13 he moved to Spain to pursue a professional career as a bullfighter. He later also obtained Spanish citizenship. Before the bullfight in Arles, the city authorities announced that he had won 50 “ears” in 28 bullfights during 2026.
Danger is nothing new for the 29-year-old. In April, during a bullfight in Seville, a bull struck him and lifted him into the air, causing a deep wound to his leg.
Another episode was filmed in October 2024, when Roca Rey tried to jump away from a bull’s horns. After falling to the ground and trying to protect himself, the animal attacked him again, caught his uniform with its horns and tossed him violently until other bullfighters intervened.
Bullfights have put him at risk since the beginning of his career. He was injured by a bull in five of his first appearances, while another powerful attack in 2016 received extensive media coverage.
The latest events have reignited discussions about bullfighting, a longstanding tradition particularly in Spain, but one that is increasingly being criticized for the way animals are treated.
A 2025 survey cited by British media showed that around 77% of Spaniards oppose bullfighting. Among those under 35, the figure exceeds 80%.
Despite the danger and the debate surrounding this tradition, the encounter with the 540-kilogram bull did not stop Roca Rey. He returned to the arena, faced Vicioso again and ended his performance in triumph.
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