01/05/2026
Alex Ballesteros, also known as Coach Alex, our Uncle Alex.
He began his football journey at the age of 15 during his second year of high school at Cebu Central Colleges. Showing early promise as a goalkeeper, he quickly rose through the ranks and earned a spot in the Palarong Pambansa as the starting goalkeeper for the CCC Executive team.
In the late 1970s, he joined the University of the Visayas (UV) Green Booters, where he further honed his skills and gained recognition in the local football scene. At just 18 years old, he entered the Philippine Army through a special service program, allowing him to pursue his passion for football alongside his military career.
In 1979, he became a member of the “Gintong Alay” Philippine national team, playing as a defender. His international experience included participation in competitions such as the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, with matches held in Brunei Darussalam, as well as World Cup and Olympic qualifying matches in the 1990s, including matches in Russia.
He also devoted much of his career to coaching. He served as head coach of the Philippine Army football team and later took on various coaching roles, including mentoring the UV Green Booters in 2015. He contributed to the development of young athletes at Sacred Heart School – Hijas de Jesus Phoenix FC and worked as an assistant coach for teams such as the Gentle Giants of Leylam Dynamic Herbs.
After retiring from active service in 2010, he focused on grassroots football development. Together with his brother, the late Ricky Ballesteros, and with strong support from his family, he founded Team Warzhockz FamBall, a training program aimed at nurturing young football talent and promoting the sport at the community level.
Through decades of dedication as a player, soldier, and coach, he has made a lasting impact on Philippine football, particularly within Cebu’s local football community.
To his players, he will always be remembered as coach Alex, a selfless, thoughtful, and dedicated mentor. He gave his time and heart generously, always putting his team before himself. With quiet strength and genuine care, he guided, inspired, and believed in everyone he worked with. His dedication went beyond the court, he shaped not only better athletes, but better individuals.
To us, his nephews, nieces, and apos, he was the kind of uncle who never raised his voice, never scolded, and always chose kindness. Soft-spoken, calm, and easygoing, he had a quiet presence that made everyone feel comfortable and at peace.
He showed his love in the simplest and most genuine ways, like sharing his favorite Shakey’s pizza and calamare. Those small moments meant so much, and they’re the ones we will always remember.
Being with him was always light and easy. He didn’t need many words to make you feel cared for, his actions spoke for him. Gentle, patient, and always chill, he was someone you could always be around without worry.
He may have lived a quiet life, but the warmth he gave and the memories he left behind will stay with us forever. His legacy will continue to live on in all the lives he touched.
