Rafael Molina Sánchez
Spanish bullfighter
About Rafael Molina Sánchez
Lived 1841 – 1900 (aged 58). Rafael Molina Sánchez was a Spanish bullfighter and banderillero.
Rafael Molina Sánchez (November 27, 1841 – August 1, 1900), called Lagartijo (lizard), was a Spanish bullfighter.
Early life Rafael Molina was born in Córdoba on November 27, 1841.
Career On September 29, 1865, Lagartijo became a full bullfighter (he took the alternativa) at Úbeda. His sponsor (padrino) was Antonio Carmona y Luque, called El Gordito; Lagartijo killed Carabuco, a bull from the ranch (ganadería) owned by the Marchioness of Ontiveros.
During his career he was seriously gored seven times.
In 1887, Lagartijo presented his sword at the alternativa of Rafael Guerra Bejarano, marking Guerra's elevation from an apprentice to a professional matador. A Spanish hand fan commemorating the occasion survives in the collection of the Staten Island Historical Society at Historic Richmond Town in New York.
Lagartijo retired from bullfighting in 1893.
Death Rafael Molina died on August 1, 1900, in Córdoba.
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Important facts
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Contemporaries
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Rafael Molina Sánchez?
Spanish bullfighter (1841–1900)
When was Rafael Molina Sánchez born?
Rafael Molina Sánchez was born on 27 November 1841 in Córdoba.
When did Rafael Molina Sánchez die?
Rafael Molina Sánchez died on 1 August 1900 in Córdoba.
What was Rafael Molina Sánchez's occupation?
Rafael Molina Sánchez was a bullfighter and banderillero.
What nationality was Rafael Molina Sánchez?
Rafael Molina Sánchez was Spanish.
Sources & further reading
· Wikipedia: Rafael Molina Sánchez
· DBpedia: Rafael Molina Sánchez
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Rafael Molina Sánchez. https://biography.guide/rafael-molina-sanchez/
MLA: "Rafael Molina Sánchez." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/rafael-molina-sanchez/.
Chicago: "Rafael Molina Sánchez." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/rafael-molina-sanchez/.
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