Join us as we kick off a journey through the pitch and unveil the 30 Best Soccer/Football Anime of All Time, celebrating the passion, dedication, and exhilaration that these series have brought to fans across the globe. Whether you’re a soccer enthusiast or just looking for some thrilling sports anime action, this list is your ultimate guide to the best of the genre.
List of Best Soccer/Football Anime:
Captain Tsubasa
Captain Tsubasa is a classic sports anime that follows the story of a young soccer player named Tsubasa Oozora as he dreams of becoming a world-class player and leading Japan to victory.
The anime is known for its over-the-top action and dramatic moments, as well as its attention to detail in its portrayal of soccer techniques and strategies.
Captain Tsubasa has inspired generations of soccer players and fans around the world, and has been adapted into multiple anime series and films.
The anime has been praised for its well-developed characters, exciting soccer matches, and uplifting themes of friendship, teamwork, and perseverance.
Inazuma Eleven
Inazuma Eleven is a sports anime series that follows the story of a young soccer player named Mamoru Endou as he forms and leads a team of talented players in a quest to win the national championship.
The anime features a unique blend of sports and science fiction elements, with characters possessing special abilities and techniques that allow them to perform incredible feats on the soccer field.
Inazuma Eleven has gained a dedicated following among fans of sports and action anime, and has been praised for its engaging storyline, well-developed characters, and exciting soccer matches.
The anime has inspired a video game franchise and multiple spin-off series, as well as a live-action movie adaptation.
Giant Killing
Giant Killing is a sports anime series that follows the story of a struggling soccer team named East Tokyo United as they hire a new coach, Tatsumi Takeshi, to lead them to victory.
The anime explores themes of leadership, strategy, and team dynamics as Tatsumi works to build a winning team out of a group of underdog players.
Giant Killing is notable for its realistic portrayal of soccer tactics and strategies, as well as its well-developed characters and engaging storyline.
The anime has gained a dedicated following among fans of sports and drama anime, and has been praised for its attention to detail and its depiction of the challenges facing professional soccer teams.
Days
Days is a sports anime series that follows the story of a high school student named Tsukushi Tsukamoto as he joins his school’s soccer team and works to become a skilled player.
The anime explores themes of teamwork, friendship, and personal growth as Tsukushi and his teammates face challenges on and off the soccer field.
Days has gained a dedicated following among fans of sports anime, and has been praised for its well-developed characters, engaging storyline, and realistic portrayal of soccer tactics and strategies.
The anime has inspired a manga series and a live-action film adaptation.
Ginga e Kickoff!!
Ginga e Kickoff!! is a sports anime series that follows the story of a young boy named Shou Oota as he forms a soccer team with his friends and works to compete in a national tournament.
The anime explores themes of teamwork, determination, and the power of sports to bring people together.
Ginga e Kickoff!! has been praised for its well-developed characters, engaging storyline, and realistic portrayal of soccer techniques and strategies.
The anime has gained a dedicated following among fans of sports and family-friendly anime, and has inspired a manga series and a mobile game.
Area no Kishi
Area no Kishi is a sports anime series that follows the story of a high school student named Kakeru Aizawa as he joins his school’s soccer team and works to become a skilled player.
The anime explores themes of teamwork, perseverance, and personal growth as Kakeru and his teammates face challenges both on and off the soccer field.
Area no Kishi has been praised for its well-developed characters, engaging storyline, and realistic portrayal of soccer tactics and strategies.
The anime has gained a dedicated following among fans of sports anime, and has inspired a manga series and a mobile game.
Whistle!
Whistle! is a sports anime series that follows the story of a young boy named Shou Kazamatsuri as he joins his school’s soccer team and works to become a skilled player.
The anime explores themes of determination, hard work, and personal growth as Shou and his teammates face challenges on and off the soccer field.
Whistle! has been praised for its well-developed characters, engaging storyline, and realistic portrayal of soccer techniques and strategies.
The anime has gained a dedicated following among fans of sports anime, and has inspired a manga series and a live-action film adaptation.
Hungry Heart: Wild Striker
Hungry Heart: Wild Striker is a soccer anime that follows the story of Kyosuke Kano, a young and talented soccer player who dreams of becoming a professional.
The anime features intense soccer matches with a focus on strategy and technique.
The series explores themes of family, friendship, and overcoming adversity.
The anime features a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique personalities and backstories.
The series also has a romantic subplot between Kyosuke and a girl named Riko, who shares his passion for soccer.
Keppeki Danshi! Aoyama-kun (Clean Freak! Aoyama-kun)
Aoyama’s obsession with cleanliness often leads to humorous situations.
The anime features a variety of eccentric and quirky characters on the soccer team.
The series is known for its unique art style and use of chibi characters.
Despite its comedy focus, the anime also explores themes of teamwork and self-improvement.
Knight in the Area
The anime features intense soccer matches with a focus on strategy and tactics.
The main character, Kakeru, struggles to find his place on the soccer team due to comparisons with his talented older brother.
The series explores themes of brotherhood, friendship, and perseverance.
The anime features a diverse cast of characters with their own unique personalities and backstories.
Captain Tsubasa (2018)
The anime is a reboot of the classic soccer manga and anime series from the 1980s.
The series features updated animation and a more modern take on the story.
The main character, Tsubasa, is a talented soccer player with a passion for the sport.
The anime features high-energy soccer matches with a focus on flashy moves and techniques.
Days (TV)
Days is a soccer anime that follows the story of Tsukushi Tsukamoto, a first-year high school student who joins the school’s soccer team.
Tsukamoto has no prior experience with soccer, but he is determined to improve and become a valuable member of the team.
The anime features intense soccer matches with a focus on teamwork and strategy.
The series also explores themes of friendship, self-discovery, and overcoming personal obstacles.
The anime features a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique personalities and soccer skills.
The Knight of the Area
The Knight of the Area, also known as The Knight in the Area, is a soccer anime that follows the story of Kakeru Aizawa, a high school student who aspires to become a professional soccer player.
The anime explores themes of family, teamwork, and self-improvement.
The series features intense soccer matches with a focus on individual skills and team strategy.
The anime also has a romantic subplot between Kakeru and his childhood friend Nana.
Nana Maru San Batsu (7O3X Fastest Finger First)
Nana Maru San Batsu is a quiz bowl anime that follows the story of Shiki Koshiyama, a high school student who discovers his passion for quiz bowl.
The anime features intense quiz competitions with a focus on knowledge, strategy, and quick thinking.
The series explores themes of friendship, self-discovery, and academic competition.
The anime features a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique knowledge and personality.
Shoot!
Shoot! is a soccer anime that follows the story of Toshihiko Tanaka, a young boy who dreams of becoming a professional soccer player.
The anime explores themes of hard work, perseverance, and sportsmanship.
The series features intense soccer matches with a focus on individual skills and team strategy.
The anime also features a romantic subplot between Toshihiko and a girl named Kazumi.
Angel Beats!
Genre: Angel Beats! is a supernatural and drama anime series.
Plot: The anime follows the story of a group of dead high school students who find themselves in the afterlife and form a rebel group called the SSS.
Characters: The main protagonist of the series is Otonashi, a boy who lost his memories after he died. The series also features a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique personalities and stories.
Themes: The anime deals with themes of life, death, and the afterlife, as well as exploring the concepts of regret, redemption, and forgiveness.
Reception: Angel Beats! was well-received by audiences for its emotional depth, well-developed characters, and engaging storyline.
Buzzer Beater
Genre: Buzzer Beater is a science fiction and sports anime series.
Plot: The anime follows the story of Hideyoshi, a young basketball player from Earth who is recruited to play for a team on an alien planet.
Characters: The main protagonist of the series is Hideyoshi, a talented basketball player with a love for the game. The series also features a diverse cast of alien characters, each with their own unique abilities and personalities.
Themes: The anime explores themes of perseverance, determination, and the importance of teamwork in achieving success.
Ganbare Genki
Genre: Ganbare Genki is a sports anime series.
Plot: The anime follows the story of Genki, a young boy who dreams of becoming a professional soccer player.
Characters: The main protagonist of the series is Genki, a determined and hardworking young boy with a passion for soccer. The series also features a diverse cast of characters, including Genki’s teammates and rivals.
Themes: The anime explores themes of perseverance, determination, and the importance of never giving up on your dreams.
Moero! Top Striker
Genre: Moero! Top Striker is a sports anime series.
Plot: The anime follows the story of Toshi, a young boy who dreams of becoming a professional soccer player.
Characters: The main protagonist of the series is Toshi, a passionate and hardworking young boy with a love for soccer. The series also features a diverse cast of characters, including Toshi’s teammates and rivals.
Themes: The anime explores themes of perseverance, determination, and the importance of never giving up on your dreams.
Akakichi no Eleven
“Akakichi no Eleven” is a soccer anime that aired in Japan from 1970 to 1971.
The story revolves around a young boy named Kakeru, who dreams of becoming a professional soccer player like his father.
Kakeru and his friends form a soccer team called “Akakichi no Eleven” and participate in local tournaments to improve their skills.
The anime features a mix of comedy, drama, and sports action, and was popular among young viewers in Japan during its original broadcast.
Blue Legend Shoot!
A soccer anime about the Japanese boy Banba Tamaki who moves to Brazil and discovers the joy of playing street soccer with local kids.
The anime features a mix of humor and drama and explores themes such as friendship, perseverance, and the pursuit of one’s dreams.
Blue Legend Shoot! was adapted from a manga by Hiroshi Kaizuka and aired for 52 episodes.
The anime was well-received in Japan and inspired a video game and a soccer-themed toy line.
Red Baron
A sports anime about a boy named Ken Kurenai who becomes a soccer player to follow in his father’s footsteps and avenge his death at the hands of a rival team’s goalkeeper.
The anime features high-stakes soccer matches, intense training sequences, and a bit of romance.
Red Baron was created by Akio Sakai and Tatsuya Okamoto and aired for 49 episodes.
The anime was popular in Japan and inspired a sequel series called Red Baron 2.
Super Soccer
A soccer anime about a boy named Shingo Tamai who aspires to become a professional soccer player and joins his school’s soccer team to compete in tournaments.
The anime features thrilling soccer matches, training montages, and character development.
Super Soccer was created by Yoichi Takahashi, who also created Captain Tsubasa, and aired for 13 episodes.
The anime was well-received in Japan and has been praised for its realistic depiction of soccer matches.
The Soccer Player with No Shoes
The Soccer Player with No Shoes (Mieruko-chan) is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Yōichi Takahashi, the creator of Captain Tsubasa.
The story follows a young boy named Teppei who dreams of becoming a professional soccer player, despite not having any shoes to wear.
Whistle! 2
Whistle! 2 is a continuation of the original Whistle! manga series by Daisuke Higuchi.
It follows the story of a young boy named Shō Kazamatsuri who dreams of becoming a professional soccer player and joins the soccer team of a new school.
Aoki Densetsu Shoot! (Legendary Blue Shot!)
Aoki Densetsu Shoot! (Legendary Blue Shot!) is a sports manga series written and illustrated by Tetsuya Chiba.
The story revolves around the life of Toshihiko “Toshi” Tanaka, a young boy who dreams of becoming a professional soccer player and his journey to achieve his dream with the help of his teammates.
Farewell, My Dear Cramer (Sayonara Watashi no Cramer)
This anime is based on a manga by Naoshi Arakawa, the creator of Your Lie in April.
The story follows a high school girl named Nozomi Onda who dreams of becoming a professional soccer player.
Despite facing obstacles such as a lack of resources and support from her school, Nozomi perseveres and forms a team to compete in a national tournament.
The anime features intense soccer matches, as well as themes of friendship, teamwork, and overcoming adversity.
Animax Soccer Heroes
This anime is a collaboration between the sports channel Animax and the J.League, the top professional soccer league in Japan.
The story follows a boy named Tsukushi Tsukamoto who is determined to become a soccer player despite his lack of skill.
Tsukushi joins his high school soccer club and learns from his talented teammates, as well as the harsh but inspiring coaching of the team’s captain.
The anime features real-life J.League players and teams, as well as actual match commentary by famous soccer commentators.
Doraemon: The Great Soccer Battle
This anime movie is based on the popular manga and anime series Doraemon, which follows the adventures of a robotic cat from the future and his human friend Nobita.
In the movie, Doraemon and Nobita use a magical soccer ball to transport themselves to a soccer-themed world.
They must compete in a soccer tournament against a team of villains who are trying to take over the world.
The movie features fun and imaginative soccer matches, as well as the classic humor and heartwarming moments of the Doraemon franchise.
Go Ahead
This Chinese drama follows three siblings who have a passion for soccer and dream of playing professionally.
The story explores themes of family, love, and friendship, as well as the challenges and sacrifices that come with pursuing one’s dreams.
The show features realistic and intense soccer matches, as well as emotional moments that will tug at viewers’ heartstrings.
Go Ahead has been praised for its strong performances, compelling story, and positive representation of sports and family relationships.
