A new scandal has erupted in Madrid over the dismissal of Miguel Abellán, who had led the Bullfighting Affairs Center for five years. The decision to remove him came amid allegations of favoritism toward one of the students at the bullfighting school, Olga Casado. According to EL MUNDO, complaints from students’ parents prompted a review of staff at the institution.
Parents of students at the José Cubero ‘Yiyo’ school voiced concerns that Abellán allegedly singled out Casado, giving her more opportunities than others. The situation escalated after Olga Casado was selected to participate in a festival supporting DANA victims, held in December at Palacio de Vistalegre. This decision further heightened tensions between parents and the regional administration.
In the spotlight
Despite the rumors, Casado continued to perform and even achieved notable success at the festival, temporarily delaying Abellán’s dismissal. However, her victory and public address to the regional president did not alter the overall atmosphere. In the end, Miguel Martín, who had previously worked closely with Abellán, took over his position.
Olga Casado’s story received widespread attention back in 2022 when ¡Hola! magazine published photos of her seen with Abellán. At the time, both denied having a romantic relationship, emphasizing that their connection was purely professional. Nevertheless, public discussion about their closeness continued. In an interview with La Otra Crónica, Casado spoke about the support she received from her former manager, but did not confirm rumors of a personal relationship.
The path to the arena
Olga Casado was born in Madrid 22 years ago and does not come from a bullfighting dynasty. Her parents are far from the world of the corrida: her mother works in administration and her father is a builder who grew up in Peru. Her interest in bullfighting developed on her own, inspired by famous toreros and learning the art of bullfighting online.
At 16, she entered the Madrid bullfighting school while also pursuing degrees in fine arts and sports. Besides bullfighting, Casado enjoys painting and Muay Thai, and has an interest in Japanese culture. She says that solitude helps her focus on her professional growth, and in her free time she prefers to paint animals or play sports.
Life outside the arena
Casado’s social life is limited due to her full dedication to her profession. She admits that she rarely sees friends, as preparing for performances requires maximum concentration. She dreams of making her debut with picadors in 2025 and believes that her mentor sees potential in her to achieve significant results in bullfighting.
The situation surrounding Abelyan’s dismissal and Casado’s career has become a topic of discussion not only among bullfighting fans but also within the professional community. According to russpain.com, such conflicts highlight the complexities of relationships within traditional Spanish institutions and the need for transparency in decision-making.
Olga Casado is one of the few young women who have achieved notable success in Spanish bullfighting. Her path differs from most of her peers: she entered the profession without family support, choosing this challenging and dangerous path on her own. In addition to her sporting achievements, Casado is known for her creative approach and drive for self-improvement, making her a prominent figure among the new generation of toreros.
