Cayetano Rivera and María Cerqueira have officially ended their relationship after two years of dating, a development that has captured significant media attention. According to the Spanish magazine ¡Hola!, the couple mutually agreed to part ways due to the geographical distance that separated them, with Cerqueira residing in Oporto, Portugal, and Rivera splitting his time between Ronda and Madrid.
The news of their breakup comes as Rivera, a prominent figure in the bullfighting world, has announced his retirement from the sport, marking a year of considerable change in his life. The couple's relationship began in March 2023, and they made their public debut in September 2024 at the premiere of a documentary featuring Cerqueira.
Lucía Rivera, Cayetano's daughter, expressed her affection for both her father and Cerqueira during an interview with Europa Press on May 8, 2025. She stated, "I love both of them very much. Everything is great. They are both wonderful, equally." This sentiment highlights the strong bond she shared with Cerqueira, who she referred to as having a relationship akin to that of a second mother. Lucía's support for Cerqueira was evident as she praised her, saying, "She has always been wonderful to me and is wonderful. And we have a relationship as if she were my second mother. That’s all I can say."
Despite the amicable nature of the breakup, there were signs that hinted at the couple's impending separation. The last known images of Rivera and Cerqueira together date back to January 2025, when they celebrated Rivera's 48th birthday. Notably, they spent Semana Santa apart, with Rivera remaining at his farm in Ronda while Cerqueira traveled to Brazil. This separation during a significant holiday raised eyebrows and fueled speculation about their relationship status.
In the days leading up to the breakup announcement, Rivera was seen attending the Mutua Madrid Open, but notably, he was accompanied only by his daughter Lucía, further indicating a shift in his personal life.
Reflecting on their relationship, Cerqueira admitted in a past interview that Rivera was not initially her type, stating, "At first glance, he was not the kind of man that would excite me." However, their connection blossomed over time, leading to a romance that captivated fans and followers alike.
Cayetano Rivera's romantic history is quite notable. He was previously married to actress Blanca Romero in 2001, but the couple separated three years later. He then married model Eva González in 2015, only to publicly announce their separation in 2022. This latest breakup with Cerqueira marks yet another chapter in Rivera's complex love life.
As both Rivera and Cerqueira navigate this new chapter, the support from family and friends, especially from Lucía, seems to be a source of comfort for them. The future remains uncertain, but both individuals have expressed a desire to maintain amicable relationships despite their romantic split.
In the world of celebrity relationships, such breakups often lead to intense media scrutiny and public speculation. However, Rivera and Cerqueira's decision to part ways appears to be rooted in mutual respect and understanding, with both parties recognizing the challenges posed by their geographical separation.
As they move forward, many fans are left wondering what lies ahead for both Rivera and Cerqueira. Will they continue to support each other as friends, or will this separation lead them down entirely different paths? Only time will tell. For now, their story serves as a reminder of the complexities of love and relationships, especially in the public eye.
