Nba Live

Yesterday’s game marked the end of an era for me—my final match wearing the Philippines football jersey. It’s funny how, as athletes, we become so familiar with the rhythm of a match—the whistle, the adrenaline, the ticking clock—yet we rarely stop to ask, "How many minutes are in a football game?" For nearly 13 years, I’ve lived and breathed this sport, and now, looking back, I realize how much of my life has been shaped by those 90 minutes on the pitch, plus stoppage time, of course. Let me break it down for you, because it’s not as straightforward as you might think.

A standard football match lasts 90 minutes, split into two 45-minute halves. But anyone who’s played or watched knows that’s just the beginning. Referees add stoppage time—usually between one and five minutes per half—to account for substitutions, injuries, and other delays. I remember one sweltering match in Manila where we had seven minutes of added time because of hydration breaks. That’s when you really feel every second. And if the game goes to extra time, like in knockout tournaments, you’re looking at another 30 minutes. It’s exhausting, but it’s also where legends are made.

This structure has been part of my life since I first pulled on that jersey back in 2011. Over those 13 years, I’ve played in roughly 150 international matches. That’s around 13,500 minutes of official playtime, not including training or warm-ups. But it’s never just about the numbers. Football is a game of moments—the last-minute equalizer, the tense penalty shootout. I’ve seen games where the final whistle felt like a mercy, and others where I wished time would stand still. Yesterday was one of those days. Walking off the pitch for the last time, I couldn’t help but think about all the minutes that led to this moment.

Experts often debate whether the 90-minute format is still ideal in today’s fast-paced world. Some argue for shorter matches to appeal to younger audiences, while traditionalists, like my old coach, insist the current timing builds character. He used to say, "It’s not just about how many minutes are in a football game—it’s about how you use them." I lean toward the traditional side; those grueling final moments teach resilience you can’t find anywhere else. But I get it—football is evolving, and maybe one day we’ll see changes.

Reflecting on my journey, I’ve come to appreciate the beauty in the game’s timing. It’s a balance of structure and unpredictability. I’ve shared laughs, tears, and countless bus rides with this team—my family. And while I’m hanging up my international boots, the memories of those minutes will stay with me forever. So, if you’re ever wondering how many minutes are in a football game, remember it’s more than a number. It’s a story, and for me, it’s been the story of a lifetime.