Are you a fan of soccer and anime? If so, you’re sure to love this article. We have 13 fantastic animes that combine the two passions – each focusing on a different team, coach and captain.
You’ll discover inspiring characters with unique designs and stories that will keep you hooked and wanting more. All of them revolve around various themes from being part of a team to facing hardship in life as well as private struggles.
Get ready for heart-ached wins and losses, intense rivalries, fierce sibling competition, gripping storylines about justice versus evil, and incredible animation breakdowns.
Read this article for a full list and detailed summary of each one to help you decide which shows deserve your attention:
Contents
13. Soccer Fever
Soccer fever is alive and well in the anime world. There are a number of great series that feature the beloved sport. Captain Tsubasa, also known as Oliver and Benji, is perhaps the most popular anime show featuring soccer.
This classic anime follows an ambitious young boy as he pursues his dream of becoming a famous soccer player.
Other notable titles include Giant Killing, which tells the story of an inexperienced manager as he attempts to turn an underdog team around; Inazuma Eleven, focusing on a group of high schoolers who seek excitement in playing their sport; and Ace of Diamond, a battle between up-and-coming pitchers trying to make it big in Japan’s top leagues.
12. Moero! Top Striker
Moero! Top Striker is one of the best anime about soccer/football out there. It follows the story of young and ambitious Tatsuya Uesugi, who dreams of becoming a successful professional soccer player.
The show captures his journey with extraordinary detail, from everyday struggles and rivalry to the biggest matches of Uesugi’s career.
The thrilling story is filled with captivating and heartwarming moments, which make this anime an engaging watch for fans of sports-themed stories.
In addition, its amazing artwork and exciting soundtrack will draw viewers in completely. If you love soccer, or great shows in general, this anime should be at the top of your list.
11. Akakichi no Eleven
Akakichi no Eleven is an anime that should be on every soccer fan’s watch list. It follows Endou Mamoru, a young boy who has an immense passion for soccer and aspires to become the best goalkeeper in Japan. He joins his school’s soccer team which is currently in shambles, but proceeds to lead it to glory.
Along with his teammates they face injustice along their path but brawl and persevere through tough times together. The show juggles comedy and seriousness very well providing equal amounts of entertainment along many gripping plot lines that keep you heavily invested till the end.
Truly a masterpiece, Akakichi no Eleven deserves all the attention its getting as an immensely popular anime among members of this fandom.
10. Forza! Hidamari
Forza! Hidamari is an anime about soccer that has captivated the hearts of millions and wide acclaim from both fans and critics. This captivating series intertwines drama, comedy, and of course sports in a unique blend of entertainment.
A vast cast of characters each with their own motivations participate in a thrilling display of competitive spirit on the soccer field as they all fight for one goal – to win.
Fans are drawn in by the scenes of grandeur surrounded by fair play and competition allowing them to cheer with utmost enthusiasm.
The gripping battles, intense plotlines, excellent artwork, mellifluous soundtracks, and the element of human emotion make this anime unforgettable.
9. Area no Kishi (The Knight in the Area)
Area no Kishi (The Knight in the Area) is one of the best anime about soccer or football available. It follows Aizawa Kakeru, a high school student who has lost all passion for his once beloved sport due to his brother’s death.
Despite being a talented player, Kakeru blames himself and no longer plays competitively until a generation-defining moment revives that spark of passion.
Taking it upon himself to lead and inspire the sports club of his high school, Kakeru rallies everyone around him on an unforgettable journey.
Through this inspiring tale, Area no Kishi promotes growth through bravery and determination while emphasizing the importance of teamwork and loyalty.
8. Ganbare, Kickers! (Fight! Kickers)
Ganbare, Kickers! (Fight! Kickers) is one of the best anime about soccer/football. This beloved classic follows Yoshiharu Kubota and his friends as they work hard to bring life back to their town’s former glory days in youth soccer.
As each character deals with personal struggles, they try their best to build the strength and self-confidence needed to defeat their rivals in soccer.
The story has a strong emotional heart that captures the drama between struggling but determined players — and it does so without resorting to over-the-top sports cliches or predictable plotlines.
The animation is old school sensibilities with simple visuals and clear art direction, supported by stunning music tracks and fun voice acting.
While there is plenty of action packed into its 26 episodes, Ganbare, Kickers! emphasizes human relationships more than just competition and sportsmanship alone.
7. Aoki Densetsu Shoot! (Legendary Blue Shot!)
Aoki Densetsu Shoot!, or Legendary Blue Shot!, is a classic sports anime with a unique twist on the sport of soccer. The anime follows Tsubasa Oozora, a passionate young player of the sport whose dedication, skill and spirit inspire his team to greatness.
Following him on his journey towards international dominance, viewers experience some of the fiercest midfield plays and thrilling matches ever seen in an anime.
Featuring captivating moments powered by intense music and stunning visuals, Aoki Densetsu Shoot! stands out as one of the best and most memorable soccer-sport anime available.
Considered by fans all over as a timeless classic, it has become a must-watch for every fan of fair play and sheer skills that are involved in this beloved game.
Despite its age, it still holds up to modern sports media due to its timeless themes, iconic characters and incomparable level of excitement offered to everyone who watches this amazing journey unfold.
6. Captain Tsubasa
If you’re looking for a fantastic anime to dive into involving soccer/football, you won’t want to miss out on “Captain Tsubasa”.
This long-running series follows the story of an aspiring young athlete as he journeys up the ranks and works towards top-level success in Japanese football.
The characters have an infectious enthusiasm which will have you rooting for each team member, no matter what obstacles they face along the way.
An inspirational sports anime that’s very faithful to the details of the footballing discipline and perfect for those who want to delve deeper into the wonderful world of football.
With stunning animation and well-crafted plotlines that carry you through each episode, it’s no surprise that Captain Tsubasa has sparked legions of fans around the world.
5. Giant Killing
Giant Killing is a unique anime series centered around soccer, or football. It features the story of East Tokyo United (ETU), a formerly successful and powerful team that has started sinking to the bottom of the standings due to lack of managerial support.
ETU then hires an ex-soccer star, Tatsumi Takeshi, as their manager and relies on him to turn things around for them.
The series follows Takeshi as he leads ETU through grueling training and arduous matches against some of the most powerful teams in Japanese pro soccer. Giant Killing also contains many funny moments that stem from the interactions between characters.
The anime does an excellent job at depicting the struggles of a small underdog team trying its best to fight for victory against much larger opponents.
Although Giant Killing isn’t an extremely popular title among mainstream audiences, it’s hailed by fans as one of the best works within its genre.
4. Inazuma Eleven
From its inception in 2008, Inazuma Eleven has been captivating anime audiences of all ages. Focused on the exciting world of soccer (or football, as it’s commonly known overseas), this classic series follows the journeys of tenacious high schoolers who are determined to bring their team to success.
As each episode unfolds, viewers get introduced to a variety of new characters and stories that add to the never-ending drama.
The show puts an interesting spin on traditional sports anime by combining a touch of science fiction with interpersonal relationships.
This combination creates a wonderful viewing experience that will keep you entertained from beginning to end. Through thrilling matches and demonstrations of teamwork, viewers are taken on a unique journey with Raimon Junior High’s soccer team — occasionally witnessing cheat codes, special techniques, and other visually pleasing effects along the way.
3. Ginga e Kickoff!!
Ginga e Kickoff!! is considered by many to be one of the best anime about soccer ever created. The show follows the story of Shō Kazamatsuri, an 11 year old boy from a small town who dreams of becoming a professional soccer player.
With the help of his newfound friend Reika, he joins the local junior high soccer club and begins to train with them in order to reach his goal.
Through intense training and determination, Shō is able to improve significantly and even impresses some of the senior players as well.
But in order for him to make it all the way to the top, he must use his speed, technique and never-give-up attitude to defeat many opponents.
Ginga e Kickoff!! is not only an amazingly animated adventure in which we get to see Shō’s journey into adulthood but also a perfect example of how a passion can be turned into success despite all odds.
2. Whistle!
“Whistle!” is an iconic sports anime series that follows the story of Shō Kazamatsuri, a boy with a passion for soccer. Throughout the show, viewers follow his journey to make it on the school’s soccer team, aptly named “The Jungle”. With determination and help from his friends, Shō manages to form team jungle into a strong soccer collective.
Through his trials and tribulations, he strives to be the best soccer player possible. To watch him reach towards his dream while overcoming obstacles is exciting and inspiring. The supernatural elements are also captivating as it adds a new layer of depth to “Whistle!”.
1. Hungry Heart: Wild Striker
“Hungry Heart: Wild Striker” is an anime series about a high school soccer team who strives to become the best in Japan. It follows Kyosuke Kano, a street-wise teenager with a natural talent for the sport.
The series depicts the highs and lows of his journey as he works hard to reach his dream of becoming one of the best players in Japan and winning the National Tournament. Along with its focus on soccer, the anime focuses on themes of friendship, determination and perseverance.
The visuals are top-notch and fans of sports anime will be entranced with what “Hungry Heart: Wild Striker” has to offer. Soccer fans might not find any real game footage but it does feature accurate and realistic depictions of how modern tactics work in an exciting way for viewers to enjoy.
Conclusion
Watching a good anime about soccer/football has something for everyone. Whether you are a fan of the sport or not, these 13 titles depict its beauty in exciting, vibrant ways.
For those inclined to take their soccer appreciation to the next level, there is plenty of inspiring drama and a greater understanding of the sport to be gained from watching.
Each show also provides an insightful look at how friendship, teamwork, and courage can work together on the field. From underdog stories that make your heart race to serious dramas that feature complex characters – these animes will bring out strong emotions in all viewers.
Whether you want to cry with joy or just experience a few wild rides, this list is sure to provide plenty of entertainment. Dive into this awesome anime selection and enjoy.
