Known by many as the best soccer historian in Colombia, he held important positions in several clubs in the country.
News Colombia.
On October 2, 2024, Colombian professional football was in mourning after the death of Guillermo Ruiz Bonilla at the age of 74. Recognized by many as the best soccer historian in Colombia, Ruiz Bonilla left an indelible mark on national sports through his more than 40 publications, which address the history of the Colombian National Team and almost all the clubs that are part of Soccer. Colombian Professional (FPC).
Also read:
Born in Tuluá, Valle del Cauca, Guillermo Ruiz Bonilla stood out not only as a writer and historian, but also as an outstanding manager in the world of football. Throughout his career, he held important positions in several clubs, including Deportivo Cali and Millonarios, where he served as sports manager. He was also part of the board of directors of Independiente Santa Fe and assumed management of minor divisions in América de Cali.
His career led him to be General Secretary of Dimayor on two occasions, which reflected his deep commitment to the development of Colombian football.
How sad and painful I am for the death of my friend Guillermo Ruiz Bonilla. A great man and father, the best historian on the continent. He dedicated his life to football, photos and data. I had the honor of writing 2 books with him, he wrote 40. To his family my eternal love pic.twitter.com/T3KW4WF5SH
— Cesar Augusto Londoño (@cesaralo) October 2, 2024
Guillermo Ruiz Bonilla recorded the history of Colombian football through his books
Ruiz Bonilla was passionate about the history of football, and his works are a testament to his dedication. Through his books, he not only recorded events, but also captured the essence and culture of Colombian soccer, allowing new generations to learn about the rich legacy of this sport in the country.
Until now, the causes of his death are unknown, although it was known that he had been facing health complications for some time. An official statement is awaited that provides more details about his departure.
La Dimayor, through its X account, expressed its regret for the loss of Ruiz Bonilla: «The Major Division of Colombian Professional Football – 𝐃𝐈𝐌𝐀𝐘𝐎𝐑 headed by its president, Fernando Jaramillo and the 36 affiliated clubs, deeply regret the death of Guillermo Ruiz Bonilla. A hug of solidarity to all his family and friends.
La 𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐨 – 𝐃𝐈𝐌𝐀𝐘𝐎𝐑 headed by its president, Fernando Jaramillo and the 36 affiliated clubs, deeply regret the death of Guillermo Ruíz Bonilla.
A hug of solidarity… pic.twitter.com/Kc1TSNaj6p
— DIMAYOR (@Dimayor) October 2, 2024
Likewise, the Colombian Football Federation (FCF) joined in the condolences, highlighting that «Guillermo portrayed in images and books the history of the 100 years of national football. Today we accompany his family and friends in mourning his departure..
The FCF mourns the death of Guillermo Ruíz Bonilla, renowned journalist, announcer and historian of Colombian Professional Football. pic.twitter.com/B6qX5XOB06
— FCF (@FCF_Oficial) October 3, 2024
You can also read:
