What if Life is like

a Football match of

90 Minutes?

That thought came to me as I was inspired by the magic of Studio Ghibli and the gentle wisdom of its director, Hayao Miyazaki. His films reminded me how stories can touch the heart, spark imagination, and reflect the beauty of everyday life.

When I reached the halftime of my own game of life, I looked back—at all that had happened, the lessons I had learned, the dreams I had chased, and the moments I had missed. Living only 100 meters from Camp Nou in Barcelona, it felt natural to let football become the language of those reflections. And so, 90 Minutes was born.

In these pages you’ll find 11 stories, each one a little match of its own, where life’s challenges and joys play out as if they were on the pitch.

The wonderful artist Steven Woudenberg gave them form with illustrations full of spirit and feeling.

This reissue of part one is my invitation to you: to step onto the field with me, to read, reflect, and maybe even recognize your own moments in the game. 90 Minutes is completely free to download—in 8 different languages and 3 unique versions—so that anyone, anywhere, can join in.

I especially hope it inspires the young generation to dream, to play, and to never give up—because life, just like football, is full of chances waiting to

be taken.

Eddy de Heij,

Author 90 Minutes

PS: Life continues! 90 Minutes: The Second Half is now in the making. It’s still a work in progress, but we’re excited to keep writing and to bring you along on this journey. Stay tuned!

A transformative book and project is aligned with both my passion & purpose.

Happy to Support in whatever capacity fits our shared objectives.

Erin Patton, Original Architect 

Nike´s Jordan Brand.

Football is team spirit, upbringing, a learning process, friendship.

I experienced that with my own son.

In the book ‘Your Life in 90 Minutes’,

all of that beautifully comes together.

Edwin Winkels,

writer and journalist

Download below your

free E-Book

  Your Life in 90 Minutes (part 1)

BOYS Edition

Download below your

free E-Book

Your Life in 90 Minutes (part 1)

GIRLS Edition

Download below your

free E-Book

Your Life in 90 Minutes (part 1)

GIRLS HIJAB Edition

Visual 90 Minutes

 Audiobook Part 1

 Boys Edition

The First New Chapter of 90 Minutes part 2

THE SECOND HALF is here

Chapter 12. Health is Wealth

The whistle blows, the second half begins. I moved to Egypt to start a new chapter as a coach. Not only Al Ahly FC brought me here — I must be fair — it was also Rana, my sweet and supportive wife.

Together we built a life here, and her presence makes every day feel like home.

Everything I learned in the first half of my life — victories, defeats, teamwork, and perseverance — I now pass on to others. Coaching gives me joy, and living in Egypt has opened my eyes to cultural differences that enrich my journey.

Al Ahly itself is a source of inspiration. The history, the trophies, the endless passion of its fans… it is impossible not to be moved. Their winning mentality mirrors exactly what I need in this second half of my own life.

My kids, Diego and Eliza, are teenagers now, each finding their own path. Watching them grow reminds me how fast time runs, like minutes on the clock. I want to be there for them — healthy, strong, and present.

That is why I go to the doctor regularly. Not because something is wrong, but because prevention is part of my strategy.  Just like training before a big match, regular check-ups keep me fit for the long run. But I must admit, I am always a bit nervous before I enter the clinique.

I also take care of what I eat. I avoid sugar and processed food as much as possible, and instead fuel myself with what really gives me energy. I go to the gym two to three times a week — not to be the fastest on the pitch anymore, but to stay strong, balanced, and ready for life’s extra time.

To make the most of the second half, I know I must take care of my health.

The body that carried me through the first 45 minutes now asks for more attention. Discipline, listening to my body, eating wisely, and preventive care have become my game plan.

Health is Wealth.

I take care of my body, because it’s the only one

I’ll ever play the full match in.

Visual 90 Minutes

 Audiobook Part 1

 Girls Hijab Edition

All translations of 90 Minutes are produced by a certified translation agency in collaboration with native speakers. If you notice any errors, misinterpretations, or have suggestions to enhance the quality of 90 Minutes, we’d love to hear from you at hello@90minutes.life.

The English audiobook is narrated by Dalan E. Decker, and the Arabic audiobook by Rana Nasser.