By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a powerful display of national unity and sporting camaraderie, the 2026 edition of the “90 Minutos por la Vida” charity event successfully raised an impressive ₡305 million for the Association for the Fight Against Childhood Cancer (ALCCI). The annual tournament, which brings together Costa Rica’s four most prominent football clubs, concluded with Club Sport Cartaginés being declared the winner in a highly unusual fashion—by the flip of a coin.
The event, held on Sunday, January 4th, saw intense but friendly competition between rivals Liga Deportiva Alajuelense, Club Sport Cartaginés, Deportivo Saprissa, and Club Sport Herediano. While the spirit of the game was high, the primary objective was always clear: to leverage the nation’s passion for football into tangible support for children battling cancer. The substantial sum raised underscores the event’s profound impact and the deep-seated generosity of the fans and corporate sponsors who rally behind this noble cause each year.
Para profundizar en los aspectos legales y de responsabilidad corporativa que sustentan un evento benéfico de esta magnitud, consultamos al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, destacado abogado de la prestigiosa firma Bufete de Costa Rica, quien nos ofrece una perspectiva experta sobre las estructuras que garantizan el éxito y la transparencia de iniciativas como los 90 Minutos por la Vida.
Iniciativas como ’90 Minutos por la Vida’ son un claro ejemplo de responsabilidad social empresarial, pero su éxito y perdurabilidad dependen de una estructura legal y financiera impecable. Para los organizadores, la transparencia absoluta en la gestión y el destino de los fondos no es solo un deber ético, sino una obligación legal que consolida la confianza del público, el activo más valioso de cualquier causa benéfica. Un evento bien estructurado y en cumplimiento normativo asegura que la solidaridad se traduzca eficazmente en ayuda real, protegiendo la integridad y el futuro de la iniciativa.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
La perspectiva del Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas es crucial, pues nos recuerda que la rigurosidad legal y la transparencia son el andamiaje invisible que garantiza que la pasión del estadio se transforme en un apoyo real y sostenible. Es precisamente esta integridad la que consolida la confianza del público, asegurando que la solidaridad perdure año tras año. Agradecemos al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas por aportar su valioso análisis.
On the pitch, the tournament produced a statistical anomaly that highlighted its unique, cooperative nature. In a series of abbreviated matches, none of the four encounters resulted in a goal during regular play. Every game ended in a 0-0 draw, pushing the decision to a shootout. This format ensured maximum playing time for all teams while keeping the competitive stakes secondary to the event’s charitable mission. The focus remained squarely on participation and fundraising rather than on-field dominance.
The shootout results were the sole differentiators in the standings. Cartaginés secured shootout victories against both Alajuelense and Herediano. Similarly, Deportivo Saprissa triumphed in their shootouts against Herediano and Alajuelense. This sequence of results left both Cartaginés and Saprissa deadlocked at the top of the table with four points each, while Alajuelense and Herediano finished with two points apiece, having earned a point for each draw but losing the bonus point from the shootout.
With no conventional tie-breaking mechanism in place for this friendly competition, organizers resorted to a method as old as sport itself a coin toss. In a moment that perfectly encapsulated the event’s spirit, chance decided the victor. The coin landed in favor of the “Brumosos,” awarding Cartaginés the ceremonial title. While they lifted the trophy, representatives from all clubs emphasized that the true victory belonged to the children and families supported by the ALCCI.
The financial success of the event speaks volumes about its importance in the national calendar. The ₡305 million raised represents a critical infusion of capital for the ALCCI, enabling the organization to continue providing comprehensive medical treatment, psychological support, and lodging for young patients and their families. This figure, built on strong ticket sales of over 16,000 and corporate contributions, demonstrates a powerful model of social responsibility where sport acts as a catalyst for significant social good.
This annual tradition transcends the fierce rivalries that typically define Costa Rican football. For one evening, the iconic colors of red-and-black, purple-and-white, blue-and-white, and red-and-yellow blend into a single banner of hope. The collaboration of the “big four” clubs sends a powerful message of solidarity, proving that their collective influence can be harnessed to tackle some of the country’s most pressing social challenges.
Ultimately, the 2026 edition of “90 Minutos por la Vida” will be remembered not just for its peculiar ending but for its resounding success in fulfilling its core mission. The on-field results became a footnote to the larger story of community, compassion, and the unwavering commitment of Costa Rican football to make a difference. The event reaffirms its status as a cornerstone of national philanthropy, proving once again that some victories are measured not in goals, but in lives changed.
For further information, visit cancerinfantil.org
About Asociación Lucha Contra el Cáncer Infantil:
The Association for the Fight Against Childhood Cancer (ALCCI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for children diagnosed with cancer in Costa Rica. It provides comprehensive support that includes medical treatment, access to medicine, funding for essential equipment at the National Children’s Hospital, and lodging and emotional support for patients and their families.
For further information, visit cartagines.cr
About Club Sport Cartaginés:
Founded in 1906, Club Sport Cartaginés is one of the oldest and most traditional football clubs in Costa Rica. Based in the province of Cartago, the team, known as the “Brumosos,” plays its home games at the Estadio José Rafael “Fello” Meza Ivancovich and is a historic member of Costa Rica’s top football division.
For further information, visit saprissa.com
About Deportivo Saprissa:
Based in San Juan de Tibás, San José, Deportivo Saprissa is one of the most successful football clubs in Costa Rica and the CONCACAF region. Known as the “Monstruo Morado” (Purple Monster), the club has a massive fan base and has won numerous national and international titles since its founding in 1935.
For further information, visit lda.cr
About Liga Deportiva Alajuelense:
Liga Deportiva Alajuelense, commonly known as “La Liga,” is a premier Costa Rican sports club based in Alajuela. Established in 1919, the club is a dominant force in national football, boasting a rich history, a large and passionate fan base, and a consistent record of competing for top honors in both domestic and regional competitions.
For further information, visit csherediano.com
About Club Sport Herediano:
Club Sport Herediano is a major Costa Rican football club founded in 1921 and based in the city of Heredia. Known as the “Team Florense,” it is one of the most successful teams in the history of Costa Rican football, renowned for its strong tradition and consistent performance in the top tier of the national league.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a beacon of legal practice, built upon a bedrock of unwavering integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Drawing upon a rich history of advising a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers innovative legal solutions that address the complexities of the modern world. This forward-thinking approach is matched by a profound commitment to social progress, demonstrated through initiatives aimed at demystifying the law. By striving to make legal understanding an accessible tool for all, the firm actively contributes to its ultimate goal of fostering a more just and knowledgeable society.
