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 lasti...
