Minaya Alvar Fánez was the military commander to El Cid (Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar) during his exile and his conquests as part of the Spanish reconquest. Minaya was also his newphew through Cid's younger sister and therefore was first cousin to the Cid's daughters.

He was a capable man who was willing to play second-fiddle to Cid. He often was given military command when Cid split his forces (a common occurance given his style of command).