Discover the 22 Most Epic Soccer Anime You Must Watch Right Now!

When considering anime and manga, it’s unlikely that sports is your initial thought. Typically, these mediums are linked to various fantastical realms. However, sports-themed anime and manga exist, and they have a significant global following, not just in Japan. Our list comprises 22 top titles, arranged based on their quality and historical significance. We’ve aimed to feature works from diverse eras and subgenres. So, if you’re keen on discovering the finest soccer/football anime ever made, keep reading!

22. Ganbare, Kickers!

The narrative revolves around an underdog soccer team from Kitahara Elementary School that was missing a proficient striker until Kakeru Daichi joined their ranks. Kakeru’s arrival filled the void, instilling confidence in his teammates to take on the mighty “Red Devils.” In their first match against them, they suffered a crushing 10-1 defeat; however, Kakeru managed to score against Uesugi, a seemingly invincible goalkeeper. This feat propelled them forward to compete in the national championship. During this journey, Hongo, another goalkeeper, developed feelings for Kakeru’s sister. With a fresh coach on board, the team reached the league semifinals, where they met the Red Devils once more. In an intense rematch, Uesugi’s team barely emerged victorious, leaving Kakeru’s team members feeling emotionally drained.

21. Hungry Heart: Wild Striker

This soccer-themed anime revolves around Kyosuke Kano, a spirited yet headstrong young lad who happens to be the younger sibling of the acclaimed Milan footballer Seisuke Kano. After being inspired by his brother’s fervor for the sport, Kyosuke uncovers that he was adopted following the heartbreaking demise of his birth parents. Tired of always being measured against Seisuke, Kyosuke first decides to abandon football and embraces a rebellious demeanor, but eventually finds himself drawn back to the field. He takes charge of the women’s team at Joyo Akanegaoka Institute and later joins the men’s team. Alongside his comrades Rodrigo and Koji Jefferson Sakai, Kyosuke aims to earn a spot as a regular player and guide the team to triumph in the regional tournament, with the ultimate goal of overcoming the mighty Kokuryo team.

20. Shoot!

Since they were kids, Toshi, Kenji, Jim, and Cindy were close friends who stuck together. During middle school, the boys played soccer, with Cindy cheering them on, pushing them towards the national championship final. Unfortunately, a dispute involving Kenji resulted in their team’s disqualification, crushing their dreams. After several years, the once-united group has gone their separate ways. Unbeknownst to him, Toshi enrolls at Kakegawa Scientific High School to play alongside his hero, Kubo, only to discover later that Cindy, Kenji, and Jim are also students at the same school.

19. Victory Kickoff!!

Sho Ota, an elementary school soccer fan and part of Momoyama Predator, experiences sadness when their team breaks up because players move on for various reasons. However, Sho finds motivation in Erika, another soccer lover, and decides to rebuild the team with fresh faces. Alongside her, they aspire to develop a more powerful soccer team to take part in the regional tournament.

18. Soccer Fever

Approaching the 1994 Soccer World Cup in the U.S., journalist Jim Ackerman ponders the low-key soccer fervor in America. He reminisces about his friend Brian Thompson, a retired British journalist with a long-standing love for the World Cup dating back to the 1930s. Though hesitant at first, Thompson, inspired by his granddaughter Alice and her peers, decides to write a series of articles to rekindle American enthusiasm for soccer. Leveraging contemporary technology, Thompson embarks on an adventure to chronicle the illustrious history of the World Cup and ignite his love for the sport in others.

17. Moero! Top Striker

As a die-hard cinema enthusiast, I’d say “Inazuma Eleven: Ares no Tenbin” traces my own adventure in the world of football as young, eleven-year-old orphan Benjamin Lefranc from Genoa. Football isn’t just a game to me; it’s a burning passion that flows through my veins. My tale unfurls alongside a secondary storyline centered on Catherine, Eric Townsend’s sister and an intriguing love interest. This captivating anime delves into the intricacies of my pursuit for football mastery, skillfully weaving in the tangled threads of romance and fierce competition.

16. Forza! Hidemaru

This story centers on Hidemaru, a youthful soccer enthusiast. Upon his arrival in the city, he yearns to become part of his cherished team and envisions himself playing for one of the world’s leading soccer clubs. Yet, he learns that his beloved team is on the verge of dissolution due to a nearby Sports Academy poaching top players under a skilled mentor. Unfazed, Hidemaru embarks on a mission to revive the team, rallying companions and hidden talents. Their aim isn’t merely to triumph but to experience the thrill of the game, showcasing football’s grandeur amid obstacles and blunders.

15. Aoashi

In this story, we follow the path of Ashito Aoi, a third-year student at Ehime City Middle School, who is both gifted and troublesome. Despite his challenging personality, football coach Tatsuya Fukuda recognizes his talent and has faith in him. Fukuda extends an offer for Ashito to join his team, anticipating that the young athlete could revolutionize Japanese football.

14. Inazuma Eleven: Orion no Kokuin

The narrative takes place a few months following the events in Inazuma Eleven: Ares. As the Football Frontier International tournament nears, the Japanese youth organization gathers Inazuma Japan, a squad consisting of top players from the previous national competition. Key figures on this team are Axel Blaze, Elliot Ember, Xavier Shiller, Adriano Donati, Valentin Eisner, Sonny Wright, Jude Sharp, Caleb Stonewall, Hunter Foster, Ichihoshi Mitsuru, Heath Moore, Shawn Frost, Trevor Cook, Nathan Swift, Cliff Parker, Billy Miller, Duske Grayling, Dave Quagmire, and Mark Evans as the captain. Mister Yi, who coached Raimon, takes on the coaching position, with Percival Travis, coach of Stella Academy, acting as his assistant.

13. Inazuma Eleven: Ares

On the secluded island of Normidia, Sonny Wright and his companions band together to establish a football team after their previous club dissolves. Seizing the chance to succeed Raimon, they transfer to Inazuma Town and enroll in the Football Frontier under the watchful eye of the enigmatic Mr. Yi. Initially without a benefactor, Raimon challenges the powerful Stella Academy, home to Elliot Ember, the infamous “demon of the camp” for his ferocious play style. After an initial defeat with a score of 10-1, Raimon manages to secure a sponsor and qualifies for the tournament. Later, Regina Mulgrave, the new school president, joins the team, initially holding resentment towards the new Raimon members.

12. Captain Tsubasa

Tsubasa Ohzora, a promising football player in his youth, aims to bring the FIFA World Cup to Japan. With the guidance of soccer legend Roberto Hongô, back from Brazil, Tsubasa embarks on a tough training regimen. His journey with the Nankatsu team initiates an exciting odyssey characterized by challenging matches, meetings with formidable adversaries who later transform into trusted allies, and an unyielding ambition to scale new peaks and attain greater victories.

11. Whistle!

As a die-hard soccer fanatic, I’ve always harbored a dream of gracing the pitch as a professional footballer. My ultimate goal has been to enroll in the illustrious “Musashi no Mori” football academy. Unfortunately, my application was denied, leaving me disheartened but not defeated. Instead, I chose to attend “Sakura Josui” school. Initially, this seemed like a setback, but little did I know that it would bring me one step closer to realizing my dream.

10. Blue Lock

As a passionate film enthusiast, I find myself drawn into the gripping narrative of “Blue Lock.” The story kicks off post Japan’s disheartening 16th place finish at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, leading to the Japan Football Union recruiting the enigmatic Ego Jinpachi. Ego unveils “Blue Lock,” a rigorous training regimen designed to breed the world’s ultimate self-centered striker. Those who fall short of Blue Lock’s stringent standards risk being forever banned from representing Japan on the international stage. Amidst this, an unassuming high school football player named Yoichi Isagi, struggling with his unique playing style, makes a bold move to join Blue Lock in pursuit of becoming the world’s top-tier striker.

9. Captain Tsubasa J

12-year-old Tsubasa Ozora dreams of leading Japan to victory in the World Cup. Upon relocating to Fujisawa, he encounters Genzo Wakabayashi, a talented goalkeeper and captain of the football team at Saint Francis school. Intrigued by the prospect of playing alongside Genzo, Tsubasa contemplates joining his team. Yet, he forms friendships with Ryo Ishizaki, captain of Nankatsu’s underperforming football squad, and Taro Misaki, a gifted midfielder who has just arrived in the city. Spurred on by Ryo and Taro, Tsubasa opts to join Nankatsu instead. With Holly and Tom’s involvement, Nankatsu is able to tie with Saint Francis during their head-to-head match.

8. Inazuma Eleven GO

In a time when soccer has become a worldwide phenomenon, Japan’s Fifth Sector exerts influence over game results by fielding Imperiali players. Following Football Frontier International a decade ago, Arion Sherwind, the latest student at Raimon Jr. High, takes on the role of team captain, while Mark Evans, now in his mid-twenties, returns as coach. The series brings back beloved characters like Seymour Hillman, Percy Travis, Silvia Woods, Celia Hills, Axel Blaze, and more, as they grapple with challenges from the domineering Fifth Sector.

7. The Knight in the Area

Originally a football player who endured a distressing event, Kakeru Aizawa shifts his focus to management. Following an unfortunate incident where they were struck by a vehicle, Kakeru’s gifted footballer brother, Suguru, perished. Remarkably, Suguru’s heart was transplanted into Kakeru, reviving his ardor for soccer as he works tirelessly to fulfill not only his personal ambition but also the shared dream that he and his deceased sibling had – winning the World Cup together.

6. Inazuma Eleven

In light of the impending dissolution of the once-powerful Raimon football team, due to a lack of members, its captain, Mark Evans, decides to bring back its past greatness by winning the prestigious Football Frontier championship. However, an unexpected turn of events unfolds when aliens invade Earth and present humanity with an opportunity to triumph through football. Joining forces with top players from across Japan, Mark participates in the Football Frontier International tournament, fighting for the survival of our planet and achieving victory against the alien threat.

5. Akakichi no Eleven

In the modern suburban neighborhoods surrounding Tokyo, you’ll find Shinsei Senior High School. Our lively main character, Shingo Tamai, is a sixth-year student there. As the new academic year commences, attention turns to the fresh face in the teaching staff – Tempei Matsuki, a new physical education instructor. Matsuki, having been a goalkeeper for Japan’s national soccer team and earning a bronze medal at the Mexico Olympics, brings his wealth of experience to the school.

4. GIANT KILLING

East Tokyo United (ETU), a football team based in Tokyo, finds itself at risk of demotion. Consequently, the club’s leaders decide to bring on board a new coach, Tatsumi Takeshi. Tatsumi, a renowned ex-footballer and former manager of an English amateur side, is entrusted with the mission of reviving this struggling team amidst a shrinking fan base. The season kicks off with hardships, characterized by a string of losses following a tie with Tokyo Victory. Yet, a pivotal moment arrives with a triumph against Nagoya, which is then followed by a combination of draws and victories, as well as a setback, ultimately resulting in an impressive victory over the Osaka Gunners.

3. DAYS

As a timid newcomer at Seiseki High School, I’m named Tsukushi Tsukamoto. During a friendly visit to my childhood friend Sayuri Tachibana, I found myself in the crosshairs of school bullies. But fate took a turn when an outgoing classmate, Jin Kazama, stepped in to save me from harm and invited me to play soccer. Although I struggled initially with the sport, I was captivated by Jin’s skill and decided to join the school football club. Yet, I soon realized that the Seiseki team had a formidable reputation for competitiveness, pushing me to work hard and persist in my pursuit of acceptance.

2. Clean Freak! Aoyama-kun

Aoyama, a talented young footballer with an undefeated record, has an unusual habit of being meticulously clean. However, instead of joining a high-profile team, he opts for the modest and lesser-known Fujimi High School football club. Alongside a group of quirky yet dedicated teammates, Aoyama aims to lead Fujimi High School to the summit of the national championship.

1. Captain Tsubasa

As a die-hard soccer enthusiast, I can’t help but sing praises for the top-notch anime that spotlights Tsubasa Ozora, a Japanese youngster brimming with passion and skill in football. After relocating to Nankatsu with my family, I joined the local public school where I struck up a friendship with Ryo Ishizaki, the school’s star football captain. Inspired by my dream of conquering the world championship, I squared off against Genzo Wakabayashi, the almost invincible goalkeeper. In an unfortunate turn of events, due to an error on my part, I inadvertently shattered his unblemished record.

On the day of the big match, I cross paths with Roberto Hongo, an exceptionally gifted Brazilian player with Japanese roots, who takes me under his wing as my personal mentor. With newfound determination, I join the Nankatsu football club and display my defensive prowess in the derby against Shutetsu, eventually leading us to a hard-earned victory in the city-wide championship against our fierce rivals. The story unfolds as we form a united city team, with me spearheading the attack, competing in the national championship. In an epic final showdown, we outshine Kojiro Hyuga’s Meiwa, clinching the title and etching our names into football history.

2025-05-26 21:16