Christmas is a time to eat well and be with loved ones. But it's also a time to look back on the year that has passed and show gratitude. And we at 90minutefamily have a lot to be grateful for.
But first, let's take a look at the sports year 2025. Because we have witnessed many highlights, both nationally and internationally.
The Fall of the Giants
Football dominates our lives, just as football dominates the news in general. And 2025 was an eventful year in many ways, as the absolute biggest guns went home empty-handed. Liverpool the Premier League, but both they and other big clubs like Barcelona , Manchester City and Real Madrid had to be beaten by PSG in the Champions League , before PSG came up short in the FIFA Club World Cup this summer. There, it was actually Chelsea who lifted the trophy. And in the Europa League, it was Tottenham who emerged victorious in the end, largely thanks to Micky van de Ven's save on the line in the final minutes against Manchester United.
And here at home on the mountain, the hegemony of Bodø/Glimt over. For good? Unlikely, because they have also entertained this year, and they have represented Norway masterfully in Europe. But the Eliteserien was won by Viking , after an exciting end to the season that was not decided until the last round of the series.
But when the sports year in general, and the football year in particular, is to be summed up, we cannot ignore Norway's parade march through the World Cup qualification . 8-0-0, and 37-5 in goal difference is an achievement greater than most we have experienced before. Victory against Italy, both home and away, and Haaland & co are now ready for the World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico this summer. 27 years since the last one. That's something to be grateful for.
90minutefamily – more than just football
But while football is the main focus, we aim to be a platform for everyone. And that's why we were close when Sébastien Ogier emerged as the season's great historical hero. In a dramatic finish at Rally Saudi Arabia , he secured his ninth world championship title, equalling the record of the legend Sébastien Loeb - a unique historical moment in rallying. We also had some space for Lando Norris, who secured his first Formula 1 world championship title in 2025 , and for Luke Littler, who continued his dominance in darts.
We also like to think that we are one of the few Norwegian players who really take tennis seriously, both ATP and WTA. And even though it was primarily about Sinner vs Alcaraz on the men's side, and Sabalenka vs Gauff , Aleksandr Bublik must perhaps be highlighted as one of the most gratifying. 2025 was the year he got serious, and where we got to see what lives inside him when he doesn't lose his head.
But 90minutefamily is more than that. We also saw Pogačar win the Tour de France for the fourth time, cementing his status among the sport's greatest riders, and we were there when the Chicago Bears made an all-time comeback over their rivals the Packers, and when the Swedes took over the beach volleyball throne. Not to mention McIlroy, who won the 2025 Masters tournament , becoming the first European to complete a career Grand Slam.
And while the MLB season isn't over, 2025 reminded us that baseball is a marathon. 162 games, daily lineups, bullpens that live their own lives, and favorites losing just when they "had to" win have become our everyday lives, for better or worse. Stars like Shohei Ohtani made headlines, but the season taught us again that it's often pitching, timing, and patience that pay the bills, not the logo on the cap.
We were there when it happened, and we will continue to do so. Also in 2026.
Thanks
But the most important thing for us is you. Without you, we wouldn't have the community we have now. Our Discord server is growing every day, and we are completely touched by the enormous traffic we experience on the website. The knowledge that lives in you makes us the most knowledgeable community in Norway. Without a doubt. And this knowledge is on display weekly in our betting competition .
With us you avoid tedious affiliate links and pyramid schemes. You also avoid marketing stunts where you are lured with apartments in Dubai, and we do not use scantily clad ladies to catch your attention, as others do. We have a product, and we believe it is strong enough for us to survive. Then others have to finance themselves with the help of members' lost odds coupons at dubious bookmakers with a license on a volcanic island in the Pacific. We are not like them. And I hope you appreciate that.
Our currency is you. The visits, the pleasant praise, the constructive criticism and the daily togetherness in Discord. May it continue throughout 2026. And may we continue to take the inside track on the bookmakers. The next few days will probably be quiet, both because our writers will be allowed to spend time with their families, but also because the selection is very limited. So there are many good reasons to log off now.
But Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, dear friends. On behalf of all our writers, we wish you a peaceful Christmas holiday, and a 2026 that meets your expectations.
See you on the other side.
