Today we’re going to look at a bunch of football anime that was released over the decades. From the old school Captain Tsubasa to the new kid on the block, Blue Lock, there’s something for almost anyone interested in the sport.
Captain Tsubasa
- Author: Yoichi Takahashi
- Air date: 1983-1986
- Episodes: 128
- Manga: 1981-present (108 volumes)
- Also: Shin Captain Tsubasa (1989), Captain Tsubasa J (1994), Captain Tsubasa: Road to 2002 (2001-2002), Captain Tsubasa (2018), Captain Tsubasa Junior Youth Arc (2023)
Captain Tsubasa is a classic football anime that follows the story of Tsubasa Ozora, a young boy who dreams of becoming a professional football player. With his incredible skills and unwavering determination, Tsubasa faces off against tough opponents and strives to win the championship.
Blue Lock
- Author: Muneyuki Kaneshiro
- Air date: 2022-present
- Episodes: 24
- Manga: 2018-present (23 volumes)
Blue Lock is a newer football anime that has quickly gained popularity for its unique take on the sport. The series follows the story of Yoichi Isagi, a talented football player who is selected to participate in the Blue Lock program – a training camp designed to create the ultimate striker. With intense matches and high stakes, Blue Lock is a must-watch for any football fan.
Giant Killing
- Author: Masaya Tsunamoto
- Air date: 2010
- Episodes: 26
- Manga: 2007-present (61 volumes)
Giant Killing is a football anime that focuses on the story of a struggling professional team, East Tokyo United, and their new coach, Takeshi Tatsumi. With his unorthodox methods and innovative strategies, Tatsumi aims to turn the team around and lead them to victory.
Area no Kishi
- Author: Hiroaki Igano
- Air date: 2012
- Episodes: 37
- Manga: 2006-2017 (57 volumes)
Area no Kishi follows the story of Kakeru Aizawa, a young football player who is inspired by his older brother’s success in the sport. With his own talents and the support of his friends and teammates, Kakeru aims to become a top player and lead his team to victory.
Inazuma Eleven
- Author: Level-5
- Air date: 2008-2011
- Episodes: 127
- Manga: 2008-2011 (10 volumes)
- Also: Inazuma Eleven Go (2011-2014), Inazuma Eleven Ares (2018-2019), Inazuma Eleven Orion (2018-2019)
Inazuma Eleven is a football anime that combines sports action with elements of fantasy. The series follows the story of Mamoru Endou, a young goalkeeper who forms his own team to compete in the Football Frontier tournament. With the help of his friends and their unique special moves, Endou aims to become the best player in the world.
Hungry Heart: Wild Striker
- Author: Yoichi Takahashi
- Air date: 2002-2003
- Episodes: 52
- Manga: 2002-2004 (6 volumes)
Hungry Heart: Wild Striker follows the story of Kyosuke Kanou, a talented young football player who aspires to become a professional.
Whistle!
- Author: Daisuke Higuchi
- Air date: 2002-2003
- Episodes: 39
- Manga: 1998-2002 (24 volumes)
Whistle! follows the story of Shō Kazamatsuri, a young boy who moves to a new town and joins the football team at his new school. With his new teammates and his determination to succeed, Shō aims to become a top player and lead his team to victory.
Days
- Author: Tsuyoshi Yasuda
- Air date: 2016
- Episodes: 24
- Manga: 2013-2020 (42 volumes)
Days follows the story of Tsukushi Tsukamoto, a shy and unathletic boy who is recruited to join the school’s football team. With the help of his teammates and his newfound love for the sport, Tsukushi aims to become a top player and lead his team to victory.
Ganbare, Kickers!
- Author: Noriaki Nagai
- Air date: 1986-1987
- Episodes: 26
- Manga: 1985 – 1989 (20 volumes)
Ganbare, Kickers! follows the story of the Kickers, a young football team made up of elementary school students. With their coach’s guidance and their own determination, the Kickers aim to become the best team in the league.
Aoki Densetsu Shoot!
- Author: Toshihiko Fujiwara
- Air date: 1993-1994
- Episodes: 58
- Manga: 1990-2003 (66 volumes)
- Also: Shoot! Goal to the future
Aoki Densetsu Shoot! follows the story of Toshihiko Tanaka, a talented young football player who joins the school’s team. With his skill and the support of his teammates, Toshihiko aims to become a top player and lead his team to victory.
Whether you’re a fan of classic football anime like Captain Tsubasa or newer series like Blue Lock, there’s something for almost everyone for football/soccer fan. With intense matches, inspiring characters, and thrilling plotlines, these series are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.
