Guillermo Héctor Álvarez Cuevas, known in Mexican soccer as Billy Álvarez, died this Saturday at the age of 80. The former president of Cruz Azul and former general director of the La Cruz Azul Cooperative had remained deprived of liberty since January 2025, after having been detained by Mexican authorities after remaining on the run for more than four years.

According to the first reports from different networks, such as ESPN, the former cement manager died as a result of a heart attack. His death puts an end to one of the most influential and controversial figures in the administration of Mexican soccer in recent decades.

The arrest of Billy Álvarez after years on the run

The former leader was captured on January 16, 2025, after spending almost four and a half years out of the reach of the authorities. His arrest occurred in compliance with an arrest warrant issued by a federal judge, related to various investigations against him.

Billy Álvarez's legal situation dates back to July 2020, when he lost control of the La Cruz Azul Cooperative and a search and arrest warrant was issued both in Mexico and in other countries, for alleged organized crime crimes and operations with resources of illicit origin.

During his administration he faced multiple criminal complaints, as well as civil and commercial proceedings that marked the final stage of his management at the head of the cooperative and the soccer club.

More than 30 years at the head of Cruz Azul

Álvarez Cuevas assumed leadership of the cement company and the Cruz Azul team in 1988. His management officially ended in August 2020, after he fled after the arrest warrant was issued.

Under his mandate, the celestial institution won various titles, including the 1997 Winter League championship, a Concacaf Champions League in the 2013-14 season, two Copa MX titles in 2013 and 2018, as well as a Super Cup MX in 2018-19.

The titles and finals lost during his management

Although his administration was accompanied by sporting achievements, it was also marked by several defeats in decisive instances.

During the more than 30 years in which he led Cruz Azul, the club lost 13 finals in different competitions, including eight Liga MX finals, two Concacaf Champions League finals and one Copa Libertadores final.

His figure was closely linked to one of the most complex and debated stages in the recent history of the celestial institution, both due to the sporting results and the legal problems he faced in the last years of his career.