Christian Montcouquiol
Christian Montcouquiol (March 10, 1954 – November 25, 1991), known professionally as Nimeño II, was a renowned French matador. Born in Speyer, West Germany, he became one of the most iconic figures in French bullfighting and is widely celebrated as a leading “figura” of tauromachie française. Montcouquiol hailed from a family with Auvergnate roots and a background in religious goods and papermaking. He was the younger brother of Alain Montcouquiol, known as Nimeño I. After his debut novillada in Nîmes in 1975, he gained the support of Manolo Chopera, a prominent Spanish bullfighting organizer, which opened the doors to major bullrings across Spain, France, and Latin America. Following a split with Chopera in 1982, Christian continued his career under his brother’s management. Nimeño II is remembered for spectacular performances, including a legendary “mano a mano” in 1989 in Nîmes where, after his Portuguese rival was injured, he faced six bulls alone, earning lasting acclaim. Tragically, on September 10, 1989, during a bullfight in Arles, he suffered a severe cervical spinal injury after a fall, leaving him tetraplegic. Despite partial recovery of movement in his legs and right arm, he remained paralyzed in his left arm. He passed away by suicide in 1991 at the age of 37. Nimeño II’s legacy endures with statues near the Nîmes arenas, several bullrings named in his honor, commemorative plaques, and the annual “Trophée Nimeño II” awarded to promising young bullfighters. His life and career continue to be celebrated as emblematic of French bullfighting history.