Anime About Soccer: 10 Winning Picks to Watch Now

Ever get that itch for a good sports anime, but you’re specifically craving some soccer action?

If you’re a soccer geek or just hunting for your next great binge-watch, trying to find the perfect show can feel like a tough match. You want the thrilling games and the underdog stories, but sometimes the recommendations just don’t hit the back of the net.

Soccer, or football as most of the world calls it, is a massive deal everywhere, including Japan. That passion has inspired countless mangaka to create some truly epic soccer manga and anime.

This list has everything from the legendary Captain Tsubasa to the intense survival game of Blue Lock. We’ve got you covered whether you’re a longtime fan or just curious.

So, get ready for your next watch. Your perfect match is just ahead!

What is Captain Tsubasa about?

Let’s kick things off with a true legend: Captain Tsubasa. The story follows Tsubasa Oozora, an 11-year-old kid with a single dream that shines brighter than anything: winning the FIFA World Cup for Japan.

Soccer is his life. He kicks off his journey by training relentlessly, facing down intense rivals, and learning that his teammates are also his friends.

Adapted into a classic football anime in 1983, Captain Tsubasa scored big again with a 2018 reboot that aired during the real-life World Cup. The show’s creator, Y?ichi Takahashi, was inspired after watching the 1978 World Cup and wanted to popularize the sport in Japan.

The anime’s impact is massive, inspiring real-life legends like Andrés Iniesta, Fernando Torres, and Zinedine Zidane to pursue their careers. Even the FIFA Museum now has an exhibit celebrating the series’ cultural importance. Tsubasa shows that you can’t get better without falling, which is why even his rivals respect him.

 For those who follow football beyond the pitch, rising stars also shape the betting landscape. A player’s sudden rise can influence odds and attract attention on bet sites zonder cruks, especially for those looking for alternatives outside standard platforms.

To be a true champion, you must learn how to handle defeat.

Why is Inazuma Eleven popular among soccer fans?

Inazuma Eleven grabs your attention with its absolutely wild mix of fantasy and actual soccer tactics. It’s based on a popular Nintendo DS role-playing game from developer Level-5, and it follows the energetic goalkeeper Mamoru Endo as he tries to save his school’s soccer club from being shut down.

The episodes are packed with over-the-top special moves like the “God Hand” and “Fire Tornado.” Still, beneath all the flashy effects, you can spot some real soccer strategies at play. The show’s humor and high-energy action keep fans of all ages cheering.

The show’s popularity got an extra boost when world-famous player Neymar mentioned he was a fan. With a solid 7.76 rating on MyAnimeList, the original series is considered the high point by many fans, even with sequels like *Inazuma Eleven GO* and *Ares* following it.

For younger viewers or seasoned geeks, it turns every game into a can’t-miss event. Just ask any fan who’s been tempted to try out a killer move from Raimon Junior High after watching an episode!

What makes Blue Lock unique in soccer anime?

After the friendship-fueled fun of Inazuma Eleven, Blue Lock completely changes the game. This soccer anime throws teamwork out the window and puts individual ego front and center. After a humiliating World Cup defeat, the Japan Football Union creates an elite training camp to forge the world’s greatest striker.

Three hundred of Japan’s best young forwards, including some with the intense drive of Killua from *Hunter x Hunter*, are pitted against each other in a battle-royale-style competition. Only one will emerge as Japan’s top striker.

The series is a masterclass in psychological warfare and raw ambition, focusing on intense rivalries over friendship. It has become a global sensation, with the manga winning the Kodansha Manga Award in 2021.

The hype is real and ongoing. A movie, *Blue Lock: Episode Nagi*, was released in theaters worldwide in 2024, and a third season was announced at the “Egoist Fest 2025” event.

How does Aoashi portray youth soccer?

Ao Ashi drops you right into the high-pressure world of youth soccer. It follows Ashito Aoi, a talented but hot-headed kid from a small town who gets a chance to try out for a top J-League youth team in Tokyo, the Tokyo City Esperion FC.

This show is celebrated for its realism. Instead of flashy super-moves, it focuses on strategy, tactical understanding, and the brutal hard work it takes to go pro. The story brilliantly breaks down complex concepts like field vision and the importance of the fullback position, making you feel like you’re learning the game alongside Ashito.

The manga is a huge hit, winning the 65th Shogakukan Manga Award in 2020. The anime adaptation from Production I.G has been praised for capturing the emotional weight of balancing school, training, and family sacrifices.

A second season of the anime has been announced for 2026, so there’s plenty more to look forward to. If you loved the teenage drama in series by Naoshi Arakawa like *Farewell, My Dear Cramer*, you’ll feel right at home with Ao Ashi.

What story does Days tell about soccer?

Tsukushi Tsukamoto is probably the last person you’d expect to see on a soccer field. He’s clumsy, nervous, and has zero natural talent. His life changes when he meets Jin Kazama, a soccer genius who pulls him into the world of school soccer.

Animated by the acclaimed studio MAPPA, this 24-episode series from 2016 is all about how pure grit and hard work can help even the most unlikely player grow. I remember wanting to yell at the screen for Tsukushi to just kick the ball, but his struggle is what makes the show so compelling.

The series really shines by focusing on teamwork, rivalry, and the emotional rollercoaster of high school sports. It shows that heart and determination can be just as important as raw skill. The manga holds a higher rating of 7.59 on MyAnimeList compared to the anime’s 7.16, but both tell a powerful story about underdogs chasing their dreams.

You get a front-row seat to all the awkward passes, fierce tackles, and triumphant moments. It’s a perfect recipe for anyone who loves stories about growth and teamwork.

If you want more sports excitement, check out our best tennis anime list.

How does Giant Killing depict professional soccer?

Giant Killing throws you right into the deep end with East Tokyo United (ETU), a team barely surviving in Japan’s top league and facing the constant threat of relegation. As a soccer geek, I loved how it captures the raw, gritty side of the professional world.

The story kicks into gear when the team hires a new coach, the eccentric Takeshi Tatsumi, an ex-player who returns to shake things up with his unconventional methods. The show’s name comes from his expertise in “giant killing,” or leading underdog teams to victory against powerhouse opponents.

“Even the underdog can take down a goliath, and Tatsumi claims he is an expert at giant killing.”

Unlike shows with flashy, superhuman moves, Giant Killing is grounded in realism. It explores team dynamics, fan culture, and the business side of running a club. The anime, produced by Studio Deen, has a solid 7.53 rating on MyAnimeList and won the Kodansha Manga Award in 2010.

If you’re looking for a more mature take on soccer that feels like a tense, strategic chess match, this show delivers.

For more recommendations with a mix of sports and feelings, check out anime sports romance.

What themes are explored in Hungry Heart: Wild Striker?

Kano Kyosuke is constantly compared to his superstar brother, Seisuke, a famous professional soccer player. Fed up with living in his brother’s shadow, Kyosuke initially quits the sport he loves.

Of course, he can’t stay away for long. The story, created by Y?ichi Takahashi (the same mastermind behind *Captain Tsubasa*), follows Kyosuke’s journey at Jyoyo Orange High School as he rediscovers his passion and forges his own identity. Released in 2002, the 52-episode anime explores themes of teamwork, perseverance, and finding your own path.

The show does a great job of capturing that classic soccer anime vibe. With a MyAnimeList rating of 7.54, it’s a well-regarded series that blends tough soccer matches, locker-room banter, and genuine character setbacks. You really root for Kyosuke as he stumbles, gets back up, and proves he’s more than just “Seisuke’s little brother.”

Why should fans watch Whistle!?

If you love a true underdog story, *Whistle!* is for you. This anime is all about pure effort and grit. The protagonist, Shou Kazamatsuri, dreams of being a pro soccer player, but he’s short and not naturally gifted.

He initially joins the prestigious Musashi no Mori Junior High, but he’s stuck on the third string. Determined to actually play, he transfers to Sakura Jousui Junior High, where he finally gets his chance. Through relentless hard work and the support of his new friends, he starts to rapidly improve his skills.

Released in 2002 by Studio Comet, the 39-episode series has a solid 7.36 rating on MyAnimeList, while Daisuke Higuchi’s original manga scores even higher at 7.72. The story is packed with heartfelt drama and focuses on the power of perseverance. It’s a great reminder that passion and dedication can take you a long way, both on and off the field.

What is Clean Freak! Aoyama-kun’s take on soccer?

Aoyama-kun is a genius midfielder for Japan’s National U-16 Soccer Team, but he has one very big quirk, he’s a clean freak. He’s a mysophobe, meaning he refuses to touch dirt or get sweaty, which makes playing a contact sport like soccer a hilarious challenge.

Animated by Studio Hibari in 2017, the 12-episode series is a fantastic comedy that follows Aoyama as he tries to dominate on the field without getting dirty. His unique playstyle, like heading the ball without using his hands or tackling with flawless precision to avoid contact, makes for some truly quirky strategies.

I found myself laughing out loud at his antics. The show balances its comedy with some surprisingly thoughtful moments about mental health and accepting people for who they are. His teammates learn to work around his habits, leading to some unexpected and clever teamwork.

If you’re looking for a soccer anime that flips the usual script and doesn’t take itself too seriously, *Clean Freak! Aoyama-kun* is a wonderfully fresh and funny choice.

How does Detective Conan Movie 16: The Eleventh Striker incorporate soccer?

After the comedy of Aoyama’s clean soccer style, we pivot to high-stakes mystery in *Detective Conan Movie 16: The Eleventh Striker*. Released on April 14, 2012, this film throws the famous young detective right into the middle of the professional soccer world.

The plot revolves around a series of bomb threats targeting stadiums during major J-League matches. Soccer fans will get a kick out of seeing real-life Japanese League players making cameo appearances as themselves. Conan has to use his love and knowledge of soccer to decipher the bomber’s cryptic clues before time runs out.

The movie does a great job of blending thrilling soccer action with classic Case Closed detective work. You’ll see flashy footwork right alongside tense countdowns and clever deductions. While it might not be the highest-rated film in the massive *Detective Conan* franchise, its unique blend of sports flair and sleuthing makes it a must-watch for fans of both genres.

How will soccer anime evolve in 2025?

The future of soccer anime looks bright, even if there aren’t a ton of brand-new shows announced for 2025 just yet.

The biggest player on the field is still *Blue Lock*. Following its theatrical movie release in 2024, a third season was officially announced at Egoist Fest 2025, keeping the hype train going at full speed. Meanwhile, *Aoashi* fans are eagerly awaiting its second season, which is scheduled for 2026.

Streaming platforms ensure that classics like *Captain Tsubasa* and *Inazuma Eleven* continue to find new audiences. Creators are still drawn to powerful themes of teamwork, competition, and personal growth, which is why series like *Days* and *Whistle!* remain popular picks.

We’re also seeing studios push the boundaries of match animations, using new technology to make every goal feel more epic than the last. With passionate fan communities and a steady stream of content, it’s clear that geeks will always be excited for stories about chasing victory on the pitch.

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