Farewell to Alex Argilagos, a Respected Figure in Cuban Volleyball

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The volleyball community is mourning the passing of Alexeis Argilagos, a respected figure whose life was devoted to the sport he loved. His death marks the end of a journey spent almost entirely in volleyball, first as a player and later as a coach and mentor, helping shape countless athletes while remaining deeply connected to the Cuban volleyball tradition.

He belonged to one of the generations that helped maintain Cuba’s reputation as one of the world’s great volleyball powers. Known for his passion, discipline and deep understanding of the game, he continued to contribute long after his playing career ended, dedicating himself to coaching and player development. Throughout the years, he earned widespread respect not only for his volleyball knowledge but also for the values he transmitted to those who worked alongside him.
A Level II volleyball coach and a graduate in Physical Education and Sports Science, he represented the Cuban national team from 1995 to 2000. During that period, he won the 1998 FIVB World League and helped Cuba claim the bronze medal at the 1998 FIVB World Championship. After competing at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and spending a season in Qatar, he moved to Italy, where he played in Serie A2 for Salerno, Isernia, Castellana Grotte, Sora, Mantova and Segrate.

In recent years, he remained actively involved in volleyball, following the progress of young players and supporting the growth of the next generation.
Among them was someone especially close to his heart: his son Bryan Argilagos, one of the most promising young setters in Italian volleyball.
Bryan, born in 2007, enjoyed a remarkable breakthrough season in 2025-26 with Sir Susa Vim Perugia, where he trained every day alongside Simone Giannelli and gained invaluable experience with one of the strongest clubs in the world. Although opportunities on the court were naturally limited behind the Italian captain, the season represented an extraordinary learning experience, culminating in several major team titles and his first taste of elite-level volleyball.
This summer, Bryan officially embarked on the next chapter of his career by signing with Cuneo Volley, where he is expected to become the team’s starting setter and continue his rapid development in SuperLega. The move reflects the confidence that Italian volleyball has placed in one of its brightest young prospects and offers him the opportunity to establish himself as a leading player at the highest domestic level.

The thoughts of the international volleyball community are with Alex Argilagos’ family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time. His contribution to the sport will not be forgotten, and his legacy will continue to live on—not only through the players he inspired, but also through his son, who now carries the Argilagos name onto volleyball’s biggest stages.