The passing of José Bisbal Carrillo became an event that not only shook the fans of David Bisbal but also reminded everyone of the fragility of family happiness, even among the most famous. Behind the facade of success and athletic achievement was a long battle with illness that changed the lives of the entire family. In his final years, the father of the renowned singer spent his days surrounded by loved ones, but the disease gradually took away his memory and the ability to recognize his relatives.
The Bisbal family always tried to keep their personal lives private, but the Alzheimer’s diagnosis was a challenge they could not hide. David repeatedly admitted that watching his father lose his memories was a true blow for him. Despite this, the family rallied around José, supporting him until the very end. In December 2025, the singer spoke openly for the first time about his father’s difficult condition, noting that the illness was progressing rapidly and that he no longer recognized his children.
The champion’s journey
José Bisbal’s life was filled not only with family joys but also with athletic triumphs. Born in the very heart of Almería, he showed remarkable boxing talent from an early age. His journey began with amateur fights, but by 1960 he had already become Spain’s flyweight runner-up. A year later, in Madrid, he claimed gold in the bantamweight category before confidently turning professional.
His professional ring debut took place in the summer of 1961, and from that moment, Bisbal’s name became known far beyond Andalusia. His style was distinguished by precise technique and the ability to patiently wait for his opponent’s mistake to land a decisive blow. In 1964, he became the national featherweight champion, and later faced some of the best boxers from Europe and Latin America, including the legendary Howard Winstone, Ruben Olivares, and Eder Jofre.
Family trials
Yet behind the athletic triumphs, there were also personal tragedies. Besides David, there were two more children in the family: Maria del Mar and Jose Maria. The latter was confined to a wheelchair after a severe spinal cord injury, which brought another ordeal for the whole family. Despite the hardships, the Bisbals always tried to support each other and never aired their problems in public.
In recent years, as Jose’s illness progressed, the family shared almost no details of what was happening. Only occasionally did David publish heartfelt posts, recalling how strong and principled his father had been. In one of these messages, the singer said that despite all their losses, his father still feels the strength of an embrace—the only thing the illness could not take away from him.
Memory and recognition
The death of José Bisbal has sparked an outpouring of sympathy not only among David’s fans but also within the sports community. His contribution to the development of Spanish boxing is hard to overstate: five national titles in two weight categories, dozens of memorable bouts, and thousands of inspired supporters. In Almería, his name became a symbol of courage and dedication to his craft.
The Bisbal family’s story is a reminder that behind great victories often lie personal struggles. Other well-known Spanish families have experienced similar trials — recently, the public discussed the emotional farewell of a son to Fernando Esteso, when the actor’s family faced loss and unexpected revelations. Moments like these unite people, reminding us of the importance of support and remembrance.
Today, the name José Bisbal Carrillo is once again in the news, now as a symbol of resilience and love that defy time and illness. His life’s journey serves as an example for many who face hardship yet never give up, continuing to fight for their loved ones until the very end.
José Bisbal Carrillo is a figure who made a significant mark in the history of Spanish boxing. Born in Almería, he became the country’s first champion to bring fame to his hometown throughout Spain. His sports career spanned more than a decade and a half, during which he not only won numerous titles but also became a role model for young athletes. After retiring, he dedicated himself to his family, remaining a source of strength and inspiration for his children and grandchildren. Even in his later years, despite illness, his name continued to be associated with honor, perseverance, and devotion to his loved ones.
