Alejandro Talavante Named First Matador for San Isidro 2027 Amid Controversy Over Las Ventas Winners — Film

Plaza 1 has announced Alejandro Talavante as the first contracted matador for the 2027 San Isidro Fair, a decision that has sparked criticism for overlooking Román and Antonio Ferrera, who were the standout performers at Las Ventas this year.

The management company Plaza 1, which operates the Las Ventas bullring, issued a brief statement this morning announcing Alejandro Talavante as the first matador contracted for the 2027 San Isidro Fair. The announcement was accompanied by an image featuring the matador alongside Rafael García Garrido, the president of the company.

This press release has drawn sharp criticism for what observers describe as a flagrant injustice and a lack of respect toward the actual top performers of the year at Las Ventas. While the Madrid entrepreneurs, García Garrido and Simón Casas, have the freedom to determine their hiring order, the decision appears to ignore the on-field achievements of Román and Antonio Ferrera.

Román and Ferrera are currently in Mexico. Ferrera is hospitalized in Aguascalientes following a serious fall last Saturday that caused trauma to his left hemithorax. Despite these circumstances, both matadors were the clear winners at Las Ventas this year. Román achieved two exits on shoulders, including one on June 6 at Las Ventas, while Ferrera also secured two such honors during the San Isidro Fair and the Autumn Fair against bulls from Victorino and Adolfo Martín.

In contrast, Talavante opened the main gate on the inaugural day of last year's San Isidro but did not achieve a comparable impact. Critics argue that prioritizing Talavante sends a message that success in the ring is less important than decisions made in the office. This perception is fueled by the fact that Simón Casas serves as both the manager of Las Ventas and the agent for Talavante.

Casas has been instrumental in placing Talavante in all major fairs and at the top of the rankings, while García Garrido remains the visible face of Plaza 1. The arrangement suggests a strategy where Casas focuses on representing his matador while allowing his partner to manage the arena's operations. The public photograph and announcement are seen by many as an act that disrespects not only the two leading matadors but also the values of bullfighting itself.

Sources: El País Cultura.