Promising Debut of Young Rejoneador André Gonçalves in Paio Pires

Friday night, 6 June, will forever be etched in the memory of young rejoneador André Gonçalves as the day he introduced himself to the Portuguese public. The occasion was a mixed bullfighting event held in Paio Pires to celebrate the centenary of the local football club. With a maturity far beyond his years, André delivered an inspiring performance against a demanding novillo from Maria Guiomar Cortes Moura.

Portuguese rejoneo (bullfighting on horseback) experienced a truly special evening on 6 June in Paio Pires. The mixed-format celebration, held in honour of the local football club’s 100th anniversary, brought together some of Portugal’s leading figures in the art of bullfighting on horseback—and, above all, witnessed the Portuguese debut of a promising new talent: André Gonçalves.

Just 16 years old, André was born on 11 December 2008 in Mexico. Son of renowned Portuguese equestrian Thiago Gonçalves and a Mexican mother, he embodies a rich blend of two cultures—something clearly reflected in his personal style and approach to rejoneo.

The young rider faced a spirited and demanding novillo from the Maria Guiomar Cortes Moura ranch—far from an easy opponent. Brave, fiery, and full of character, the animal posed a serious challenge. But André rose to the occasion. He displayed calmness, confidence, and an intuitive understanding of the fight that simply can’t be taught. He fought with both precision and passion, leaving no doubt that he is here not just to stay, but to shine.

The evening’s high level continued with a top-tier line-up featuring Rui Fernandes, António Ribeiro Telles, António Telles Jr., and Duarte Fernandes—all warmly applauded by a packed arena. The event concluded with a standout performance by Bruno Nery.

The celebration was completed by the traditional forcados, with teams from the Amadores de Lisboa and Amadores da Moita delivering their fearless and emotional pegas—the traditional bull-handling tackles unique to Portuguese bullfighting.

Event Summary:

Paio Pires Bullring (Portugal). Full capacity.

Mixed bullfighting event in celebration of the local football club’s centenary. Bulls from Maria Guiomar Cortes Moura.

• Rui Fernandes: one lap of honour.
• António Ribeiro Telles: one lap of honour.
• Duarte Fernandes: one lap of honour.
• André Gonçalves: one lap of honour.
• Bruno Nery: one lap of honour.

Forcados: Amadores de Lisboa and Amadores da Moita.

Photos: Miguel Alvarenga