Soccer, known as football in many parts of the world, reigns as the most popular sport globally. Matches attract huge crowds, and for those unable to attend, the excitement is brought right into their homes via television broadcasts. In Japan, the fervor for soccer has inspired many mangaka to craft engaging narratives that celebrate this beloved sport.
These manga and anime not only entertain avid soccer enthusiasts but also serve as an introduction to newcomers unfamiliar with the game. Over the years, a variety of titles have emerged, embodying the essence and spirit of soccer. Here, we explore some of the top soccer anime and manga that every fan should consider checking out.
Updated December 24, 2024 by Mark Sammut: The Fall 2024 anime season is wrapping up nicely, although some series, such as Blue Lock Season 2, are still in progress. This sequel is slated for 14 episodes, and while early episodes have aired, its varying quality merits a separate discussion. While we focus primarily on anime, we will also highlight notable soccer manga that do not yet have adaptations.
15
Victory Kickoff!!
MyAnimeList: 7.20 (Anime)
Victory Kickoff tells the story of Shou, a dedicated but inexperienced soccer player whose dream is jeopardized when his team is disbanded. A pivotal match against a professional female player reignites his motivation, compelling him to recruit new team members and leading him on a path of growth both personally and athletically as he strives to achieve his goals.
14
The Knight In The Area
MyAnimeList: 7.16 (Anime) / 7.48 (Manga)
The Knight in the Area captures the poignant journey of Kakeru Aizawa, whose life takes a dramatic turn after a leg injury forces him from player to manager. But following a tragic accident involving his brother, Kakeru’s heart transplant inspires him to embrace soccer again and strive to fulfill his brother’s dream of taking Japan to the World Cup, despite his own limitations.
13
Clean Freak! Aoyama Kun
MyAnimeList: 6.95 (Anime) / 7 (Manga)
Clean Freak! Aoyama Kun offers a unique take on sports manga, focusing less on ambition and more on Aoyama’s obsession with cleanliness. Despite recognizing that soccer involves physicality, he continues to play, developing an elegant yet overly cautious style of play that ultimately becomes unsustainable as he faces tougher competitions.
12
Blue Lock vs. U-20 Japan (Season 2)
MyAnimeList: 6.63
While Fall 2024 introduced many exciting sequel anime, Blue Lock Season 2 stands out as a notable disappointment, especially when compared to its acclaimed predecessor. Although it retains some high-stakes moments, its slower pace and reliance on repetitive narrative devices diminish its overall impact. Season 2 centers around a match against Japan’s U-20 team, yet the premise stretches credibility given the relative inexperience of the Blue Lock participants.
Despite these flaws, Blue Lock maintains its trademark appeal with character insights and thrilling soccer moments, albeit requiring viewers to suspend their disbelief at times. The animation quality also fluctuates, particularly in earlier episodes, taking a more introspective approach that can feel static compared to the action-packed storytelling of the first season.
11
Fantasist (Manga Only)
MyAnimeList: 7.58
- Writer: Michiteru Kusaba
Serialized from 1999 to 2004, Fantasista features Teppei Sakamoto, a boy passionate about soccer who strives to improve his skills under the guidance of his sister. Despite its conventional storyline, the manga excels in portraying Teppei’s journey towards becoming a competent player, emphasizing the importance of hard work over mere talent.
Given the series concluded years ago, fans eager for an anime adaptation may find it unlikely, making the manga a must-read instead.
10
Sayonara, Football & Farewell, My Dear Cramer (Manga)
MyAnimeList: 7.03 & 7.37
- Writer: Naoshi Arakawa
Sayonara, Football follows the tenacity of Nozomi Onda, who, despite facing challenges against stronger opponents, refuses to give up on her soccer dreams. Its sequel, Farewell, My Dear Cramer, follows Sumire Suo and Midori Soshizaki as they work together to elevate their high school team with the help of a new coach dedicated to improving their competitive edge.
Both series have been adapted into anime, with the original receiving a solid movie, while the adaptation of the sequel fell short of expectations, making the manga a superior choice for fans.
9
Whistle!
MyAnimeList: 7.36 (Anime) / 7.72 (Manga)
Whistle! tells the inspiring tale of Kazamatsuri Shou, an aspiring professional soccer player who initially struggles to perform at a high level. Joining Sakura Jousui High School proves pivotal, as he begins to develop his skills with the support of his teammates. Although it may seem formulaic, the execution shines through compelling storytelling and well-crafted soccer matches.
8
Days
MyAnimeList: 7.16 (Anime) / 7.59 (Manga)
Days depicts the contrasting lives of two boys: Tsukushi, often considered talentless, and Jin, a renowned soccer prodigy. Their fateful encounter catalyzes a transformative friendship. The series is celebrated for its nuanced character development and compelling soccer matches, though the anime feels rushed compared to the manga’s comprehensive narrative.
7
Hungry Heart: Wild Striker
MyAnimeList: 7.54 (Anime) / 6.86 (Manga)
Hungry Heart: Wild Striker follows Kyosuke, a student at Jyoyo Orange High School who once lost interest in soccer due to comparisons with his older brother, a player for A.C. Milan. However, his journey back to the sport reveals both emotional depth and revitalized passion, making this a noteworthy watch largely exceeding the manga’s story.
6
Giant Killing
MyAnimeList: 7.53 (Anime) / 7.99 (Manga)
Giant Killing portrays the struggles of East Tokyo United, a soccer club battling relegation. When they hire a controversial coach, Takeshi, who must navigate past animosities and gather his squad, the focus shifts from individual talent to strategic coaching. This unique angle makes it stand out in the genre while grounding itself in realism.
5
Inazuma Eleven
MyAnimeList: 7.73 (Season 1)
Inazuma Eleven chronicles the efforts of Raimon Middle School’s faltering soccer club, led by hopeful captain Mamoru Endou. His determination to rally a talented yet disinterested player highlights themes of leadership and passion, ultimately evolving the series into an entertaining adventure akin to battle shonen.
4
Captain Tsubasa
MyAnimeList: 7.35 (1983 Anime) / 7.41 (Manga)
Captain Tsubasa has long been a cornerstone of sports manga, following the journey of Tsubasa as he pursues his dream of winning the FIFA World Cup for Japan. It highlights his exploits and evolution as both an athlete and person, drawing millions of readers worldwide. Newcomers are advised to start with the modern adaptation released in 2018, but the original still charms with its nostalgic essence.
3
Blue Lock (Season 1)
MyAnimeList: 8.22 (Anime) / 8.48 (Manga)
In Blue Lock, the Japanese Football Association embarks on a revolutionary training experiment led by coach Jinpachi Ego to hone new strikers. Yoichi Isagi’s determination propels him through intense competition at the Blue Lock facility, blurring the lines between sports and shonen battle narratives. However, those seeking a grounded portrayal of soccer might find themselves yearning for more realism amid the heightened stakes.
2
The Blues! That’s It (Magic Only)
MyAnimeList: 7.92
- Writer: Motoyuki Tanaka
Be Blues! chronicles the journey of Ryuu, who, after a heroic attempt to save a friend, faces a two-year hiatus from playing soccer due to injuries. Upon joining a high school soccer club post-recovery, he rediscovers his passion and navigates the challenges of returning to the sport. Though it recently concluded, it remains a celebrated manga renowned for its authentic character arcs and remarkable storytelling.
1.
Ao Ashi
MyAnimeList: 8.17 (Anime) / 8.59 (Manga)
Ao Ashi follows Ashito Aoi, a promising young player who faces personal and team setbacks but eventually finds guidance from a coach eager to help him refine his skills in Tokyo. The narrative balances thrilling match action with deep dives into the characters’ personal journeys, amplifying the stakes on and off the field, delivering some of the most gripping moments in the sports genre.
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