31+ BEST Football/Soccer Anime & Manga!

Updated October 14, 2022 by humarifat

Sports anime are usually loved by fans of all ages. Anime like Haikyuu!, Kuroko no Basket, Diamond no Ace, etc are enjoyed and loved by fans all over the world.

Even though Haikyuu! is about Volleyball, it still is enjoyed by anime fans all over the globe. I mean! Volleyball is famous but not on the level of Soccer and some other sports, perhaps. And who doesn’t love Basketball? Well! I do, even though I’m not tall enough to play it, Lmao!

Oops! I just got off-topic. The list is actually about Top Soccer anime, so we should talk about that. Soccer! The most popular sport in the entire globe and is enjoyed by every nation of the world.

And the Fifa World Cup is perhaps the most-watched sports event all over the world. The most popular sport in the world coupled with the excitement of anime! This makes it 100, no, 1000 times better. Anime just enhances the already great intensity of Football to even higher levels making it even more amazing.

Lol! I talk too much. Let’s just hop on to the list.

 

BEST ANIME ABOUT FOOTBALL

23-Forza! Hidemaru

Information
Title	Froza! Hidemaru
Genre	Sports
Type	TV
Episodes	26
Studios	Gallop
Premiered	2002
Duration	25 minutes per episode

Anime Storyline:Animals playing soccer! Lmao, can you even imagine it? Well! It’s anime, everything is possible here. This anime specifically targets younger audiences. I think you can just guess that.

It follows the story of Hidemaru and his friends as they play soccer. Lmao! There literally isn’t anything else to write here. One interesting fact about this anime is that it aired during the Fifa World Cup 2002 that took place in Japan and South Korea.

PS I’m definitely not against animals playing soccer. Don’t get me wrong.

 

22- Soccer Fever

Information
Title	Soccer Fever
Genre	Sports
Type	TV
Episodes	51
Studios	None Found
Premiered	1994
Duration	28 minutes per episode

Anime Storyline:Now, this is another unique anime.  It does not follow the story of some teen trying to win a tournament. Instead, it follows the story of Ex-reporter Brian Thompson. And guess what’s more?

We get to relive the top soccer matches from his youth till 1994. These matches featured some of the soccer greats like Franz Beckenbauer, Muller Gard, ofc  Pele. How can we even forget Pele?

However, this anime is a true treat for true soccer fans.

 

21- Moero! Top-Striker

Information
Title	Moero Top Striker
Genre	Sports
Type	TV
Episodes	49
Studios	Nippon Animation
Premiered	1991
Duration	24 minutes per episode

I was just wondering, most of the anime on this list are pretty old-school. Well! It just shows you how good anime was in those days.

Another great anime on this list is Moero! Top-Striker. The story is kinda typical and bland. However, it surely is not boring and will definitely keep you on the edges of your seats. Seats or sofas, wherever you are sitting, Lmao!

It follows the story of a soccer freak, Hikaru Kicker. Hikaru is so much addicted to soccer that he travels to Italy to learn the game better. However, being a foreigner, he had to join a weak team at first.

Regardless of this! He tries his hardest along with his teammates to achieve his dream. A great combo of hard work and passion. If I were you, I’d surely give this anime a try.

 

20- Ganbare, Kickers!

Information
Title	Ganbare, Kickers
Genre	Sports
Type	TV
Episodes	39
Studios	Gallop
Premiered	1993
Duration	24 minutes per episode

Well! Harmony off and on the field, both are pretty important for a team’s success. And, this anime is the perfect example of this.

The plot is really interesting, in my opinion, ofc. Your opinion doesn’t matter here, this is my list! Hahahahaha!

Okay sorry! Just kidding. Let me know your thoughts in the comments. I’ll take it!

This anime is about a soccer team who had literally won nothing. They only had losses in their memories. Pretty Sad! However, everything changes as a new player, Daichi Kakeru, joins the team. This anime beautifully portrays the importance of harmony in a team’s success. So, you should definitely give It a try.

Check Out: Best Basketball Anime

 

19- Akakichi No Eleven

Information
Title	Akakichi no Eleven
Genre	Sports
Type	TV
Episodes	52
Studios	None Found
Premiered	1970
Duration	25 minutes per episode

First-ever soccer anime!! Woahhh! That just shows you how good it really was.

Aired in 1970, Akakichi No Eleven is one of the most iconic sports anime of all time. It follows the story of Shingo Tamai as he refuses to join the soccer team of his school coached by head coach Teppei Maksuki.

Rebellion huh! Youth! Ahhh.

Following this, Shingo forms a new team along with his friends and works hard to hone their skills. If you love soccer, this anime is a must-watch.

 

18- Ginga e Kickoff

Information
Title	Victory Kickoff
Genre	Sports
Type	TV
Episodes	39
Studios	TYO ANIMATION
Premiered	2012
Duration	25 minutes per episode

Trying to rebuild something is far more difficult than ya’ll imagine. It takes far more effort and dedication to rebuild something.

Ginga e Kickoff follows the story of Shou Oota, who is on a quest to rebuild a soccer club before the preliminaries. He tries his best and succ……No, no, no! I won’t spoil it for you. Watch it yourself.

But! Let me tell you a short story.

I once had a toy car. It was literally unbreakable. I used to try my hardest to break it, like throwing it off from the top of a building. A damn building!!! But it never broke. However, when it did break, my heart also broke alongside it. I tried my hardest to repair it but all in vain. See! It is really hard to rebuild something :’) I’m not crying.

 

17- Dragon League

Information
Title	Dragon League
Genre	Sports
Type	TV
Episodes	39
Studios	Gallop
Premiered	1993
Duration	24 minutes per episode

Dragon League introduces us to Tokio and his father Amon who go to Elevenia, a soccer country, in order to see a parade of the Winners, a famous soccer team. Amon decides to challenge the captain of the team for a match. Amon ends up losing and is turned into a dragon miniature by the captain. Now, it is up to Tokio to reclaim victory and save his father. 

 

16- Fantasista Stella

Information
Title	Fantasista Stella
Genre	Sports
Type	OVA
Episodes	3
Studios	Xebec
Premiered	2014
Duration	23 minutes per episode

Fantasista Stella tells us the story of a guy named Teppei Sakamoto. He lives a peaceful life in the countryside. Teppei is obsessed with playing soccer. His sister has some knowledge of soccer and helps him with learning all about it. She also suggests Teppeii join the Mizumoto High School Soccer Team. Teppei is all ready to follow his dreams but is unaware of the trials ahead that are waiting for him. 

 

15- Goal FH: Field Hunter

Information
Title	Goal FH: Field Hunter
Genre	Sports
Type	TV
Episodes	39
Studios	Image Kei
Premiered	1994
Duration	30 minutes per episode

This anime revolves around Hikaru Tatsumura who wanted to become a great soccer player. He traveled to Japan from Brazil. His main motivation was a soccer player who was loved a lot by people. Hikaru is generally cheerful and laid-back. But when it comes to soccer, he gets serious and focused. He joins a soccer team and is ready to face all the challenges until he gets what he wants. 

 

14. Golden Kids

Information
Title	Golden Kids
Genre	Sports
Type	ONA
Episodes	2
Studios	None Found
Premiered	2011
Duration	11 minutes per episode

Golden Kids introduces us to the Koganedai Downtown FC Golden Kids soccer team who are unable to win a single soccer game ever since they formed the team. Kitagawa is the captain and the goalkeeper of the team. He’s determined to win their next match before he moves away but ends up losing again. 

The Golden kids started getting bullied at their school because of their losses. The adults also stopped supporting them. The team members started getting depressed. However, after seeing Kitagawa practicing alone despite all the hate, they picked themselves up and started practicing hard. Their next match will be against a formidable team named the Wild Tigers. Will they be able to prove their worth this time?

 

13- Shoot! Goal to the Future

Information
Title	Shoot! Goal to the Future
Genre	Sports
Type	TV
Episodes	13
Studios	Magic Bus
Premiered	2022
Duration	23 minutes per episode

This anime tells us the story of Atsushi Kamiya who used to be a captain at Kakegawa High School as well as a captain of an Italian soccer team. We’re introduced to Hideto Tsuji who is in the soccer team of the same school. He’s bored by the weak team of his school. However, after he interacted with Atsushi Kamiya, his life changed. 

Check Out: Best Volleyball Anime

 

12-Futsal Boys!!!!

Information
Title	Futsal Boys!!!!
Genre	Sports
Type	TV
Episodes	12
Studios	Diomedea
Premiered	2022
Duration	24 minutes per episode

Futsal Boys tells us the story of Haru Yamato who wasn’t really into Futsal until he saw a Japanese Futsal player named Tokinori Tennoji play at the U-18 World Cup. He promptly joined the Koyo Futsal  club on his first day of high school. 

He came to know that the captain of his team is Toi Tsukioka who played alongside Tokinori Tennoji. Haru is all pumped up to practice soccer. However, he has no knowledge about the dynamics of soccer. But he’s not ready to give up and will prove to everyone that he can play futsal. 

 

11- Farewell, My Dear Cramer

Information
Title	Farewell, My Dear Cramer
Genre	Sports
Type	TV
Episodes	13
Studios	LIDENFILMS
Premiered	2021
Duration	24 minutes per episode

Women’s soccer teams in Japan are not doing good and are barely trying to keep themselves alive. There are not so many schools left that are offering female’s soccer clubs. We’re introduced to Nozomi Onda who used to play for the boys’ soccer team in her middle school. She’s really good at playing soccer and she believes that playing with girl would only drag her down 

She only enjoys playing soccer with those who actually know how to play soccer and give her a tough time. On the other hand, another promising soccer player named Sumire Suo’s growth is also hindered by the girls in her team. Both Nozomi and Sumire cross paths and end up joining the  Warabi Seinan High School’s soccer club. A brand new adventure awaits the two prodigies to showcase their exceptional.

 

10- Clean Freak Aoyama-Kun

Information
Title	Clean Freak Aoyama Kun
Genre	Sports
Type	TV
Episodes	12
Studios	Studio Hibari
Premiered	2017
Duration	23 minutes per episode

Another pretty unique anime on the list I must say. What’s unique is the MC, Aoyama. He is, you can say, a cool, handsome, and famous guy. Everyone loves him, but he has one weird habit. And that is cleaning! Yess! Cleaning. He is a literal clean freak and can’t stand dirty things.

Hehehe! I guess he’s like me. I also can’t write if my room is dirty. Painnnn!

Anddd ofc this list is about soccer, so Aoyama is also a soccer genius. A clean freak playing soccer? Sounds pretty dumb, lmao. What’s more? Aoyama is soo skilled that he completely avoids physical contact and still manages to score.

But how far can his skills take him without physical contact on the bigger scale? Find the answer to this question by watching the anime, duh!

 

9- Legendary Blue Shot

Information
Title	Blue Legend Shoot
Genre	Sports
Type	TV
Episodes	58
Studios	Toei animation
Premiered	1993
Duration	25 minutes per episode

Every great anime has a great trio. Naruto, for instance, had Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura.

Legendary blue shot also features the story of three friends, who were the best players of their junior high school and made their team invincible. And coincidently, the three of them admired a single-player, Yoshiharu Kubo.

They tried their best to get into the same high school as Kubo and eventually got there. This begins a new chapter in their life as they play together with their idol.

You might think the plot is kinda bland, well! It is. However, the anime has so much more into it than you think.
Watch EP 19 at your own risk!

 

8- Captain Tsubasa

Information
Title	Captain Tsubasa
Genre	Sports
Type	TV
Episodes	52
Studios	David Production
Premiered	2018
Duration	22 minutes per episode

Now, this one is for old-school fans. Well! Most of them probably already know about this one. Still! For the sake of new anime fans, I’ll explain it. Hmmmph!

The anime follows the story of 11-year-old Tsubasa Oozora, who is seriously obsessed with soccer.

That’s it!

Wait! There’s more! You want to know about the dream of Tsubasa? Ofc, it’s representing Japan in the World Cup, duh! Every player desires to represent his/her country in the World Cup. However, not all of them succeed. Sooo, watch Captain Tsubasa to find out whether he succeeds or not!

 

7- Inazuma Eleven

Information
Title	Inazuma 11
Genre	Sports
Type	TV
Episodes	127
Studios	OLM
Premiered	2008
Duration	24 minutes per episode

Inazuma Eleven is perhaps the most popular soccer anime of all time. Well! We all used to watch it as kids, No?

It follows the story of Mamuro Endou, captain of the Raimon Middle School’s soccer club Inazuma Eleven, as he tries to protect his club from inner conflicts.

The animation might seem a bit childish but trust me the anime is a real masterpiece. The emotions, the intensity during matches, everything is just amazing.

The anime also has a sequel with the name Inazuma Eleven GO. I won’t spoil it for you tho, Lmao!

PS it’s not about spoiling lol. I’m just too lazy.

 

6- Whistle

Information
Title	Whistle
Genre	Sports
Type	TV
Episodes	39
Studios	Studio Comet
Premiered	2002
Duration	24 minutes per episode

Well! This anime is a bit generic, you can say. However, the thing that makes this anime good and earns it a place on this list is the character development and ofc, the intensity during the matches.

It follows the story of Shou Kazamatsuri, who, like other typical protagonists, dreams of something big, like becoming a professional soccer player. Anddd to achieve this goal, what do you think he needs?  Great friends and a good amount of training.

This anime is for you if you want a break from your hectic everyday life and want to watch something good and relaxing.

 

5- Ao Ashi

Information
Title	Ao Ashi
Genre	Sports
Type	TV
Episodes	24
Studios	Production I.G
Premiered	2022
Duration	24 minutes per episode

Soccer anime in high school settings are always amazing. Well! Most of the anime/manga on this list are mostly based in a high school setting. What does that mean? Most of them are amazing.

Anyways, Ao Ashi follows the story of Aoi Ashito, another guy obsessed with soccer with amazing skills too. One day he meets a J League coach, Tatsuya Fukuda, who at first sight becomes impressed with Aoi’s skills and invites him to his team’s tryout. This provides Aoi a great opportunity.

And this marks the beginning of the story of a young boy who will revolutionize Japanese soccer.

The art style of this anime is pretty neat. The plot is nothing special, however, the way it is portrayed is just amazing. It seems just too realistic. Football fans are sure to love it.

I definitely recommend it to you guys.

Check Out: Best Blackmail Anime

 

4- Blue Lock

Information
Title	Blue Lock
Genre	Sports
Type	TV
Episodes	24
Studios	8bit
Premiered	2022
Duration	24 minutes per episode

Blue Lock is a brand new soccer anime that everybody has been waiting for.

Its unique story and art style make it a literal masterpiece. The story follows as the Japanese soccer team miserably loses the Football World Cup 2018 and undoes the regrouping process. However, it’s not that easy as they were missing the most important thing, An Ace, who can guide them to victory with his sheer determination and unrivaled thirst for goals.

For this purpose, the Japanese Football Federation collects 300 players from all over the country and only one of them would get the chance to represent the country.

Woahhh! That does seem pretty intriguing.

What’s more interesting is that Blue Lock is even recommended by a famous Mangaka. Hmmmmm!

3- The Knight in the area

Information
Title	Knight in the Area
Genre	Sports
Type	TV
Episodes	37
Studios	Shin-Ei Animation
Premiered	2012
Duration	25 minutes per episode

This anime also follows the story of a trio consisting of two brothers, Kakeru and Suguru Aizawa, and their childhood friend.

Trios are literally everywhere!!!! Lmaoo!!

Pretty unsurprisingly, the three of them have the same goal, to win the World Cup. And to achieve this, they competed in several tournaments to hone their skills.

They even had to play as opponents, trying to destroy each other.

 

2- Hungry Heart: Wild Striker

Information
Title	Hungry Heart: Wild Striker
Genre	Sports
Type	TV
Episodes	52
Studios	Nippon Animation
Premiered	2002
Duration	23 minutes per episode

It happens all the time, doesn’t it? Like when you get compared to your elder siblings. It hurts, I know. Though, I’m the oldest sibling, Lmao.

Still, it really is not good for the mental health of children and they can lose interest in that particular thing. The same is the case with Kanou Kyosuke, the MC of Hungry Heat.

Kanou Kyosuke loses interest in soccer after constantly being compared to his elder brother, who is a professional player. However, his interest suddenly comes back as he started high school and found friends with similar interests.

The animation can get a bit rusty as the anime is a bit old but I assure you that you’ll enjoy it.

 

1- Giant Killing

Information
Title	Giant Killing
Genre	Sports
Type	TV
Episodes	26
Studios	Studio Deen
Premiered	2010
Duration	24 minutes per episode

Giant killing is really unique as it does follow your traditional soccer anime with a strong MC. This anime is about strategies and passion.

Unique, isn’t it? Well! I love uniqueness and with that In mind, this anime was bound to be on this list.

It follows the story of a soccer coach, Tatsumi Takeshi. He is the new coach of East Tokyo United, a devastated team with below-par players and a low budget. However, this is where things get exciting as Tatsumi has to guide this team to victory.

Ooooh, just writing about it makes me feel excited. You better watch it, ASAP!

 

MANGA/Manhwa

Here are our recommendations for BEST Manga/Manhwa about Soccer/Football! Manga and Manhwa are scored based on their artwork, you can check them out!

 

8- Chain of Pearls

Information
Title	Chain of Pearls
Genre	Sports
Type	Manga
Volumes	2
Author	Minami, Kanan
Premiered	2002
Chapters	12

Rom-com coupled with soccer! Demnnnnnn! This combo is just Godly. It shouldn’t even be legal, Lol

Now, the premise of this anime might seem a bit similar to the famous rom-com Kaichou wa Maid-sama.

Most people here would’ve guessed the plot by now! Yess, this anime follows the story of a girl named Hisa, a member of the school’s soccer team, and ofc she works part-time at a place where she shouldn’t. Anddddd, I think you probably know the rest of the story, hehehehehe.

Anyways, this manga is a great read if you are looking for some wholesome and not too intense soccer.

 

7- Angel Cup

Information
Title	Angel Cup
Genre	Sports
Type	Manhwa
Volumes	5
Author	Yoon, Jaeho
Premiered	2001
Chapters	35

Female Soccer! It’s pretty rare to find a manga on female soccer. Well! I’ve found one for you.

It follows the story of So-Jin and Shin-bee, two girls that are obsessed with soccer. Their soccer complex is such that they even play against boys to hone their skills.

This manhwa basically covers the journey of our two protagonists as they try to reach their dream and learn more and more about their favorite sport.

Isn’t soccer just amazing! I mean boys and girls equally love it and I think it’s beautiful.

I personally find this manhwa pretty intriguing as most manga and anime are about guys playing soccer. This one is a pretty new experience and I really hope you will enjoy it too.

 

6- Uwasa no Midori-Kun

Information
Title	Uwasa no Midori-Kun
Genre	Sports
Type	Manga
Volumes	10
Author	Ikeyamada, Go
Premiered	2006
Chapters	51

Another pretty unique story on our list. A girl obsessed with soccer is just wife material, in my opinion, ofc.

Let’s just move on to the plot of this manga. It follows the story of Yamete Midori, who lives on an island where tourists often come. One day, a boy named Hino Tsukasa comes on a vacation to her island.

He teaches Midori soccer and boooom! Midori instantly becomes a fan of it. Further story? I won’t spoil it lmaoooo!

Just a little hint tho, Tsukasa! Something Unforgivable! Boys High School! Now go read the manga. I’m pretty sure I made you curious about it. Buhahaha!

Check Out: Best Parody Anime

 

5- Offside

Information
Title	Offside
Genre	Sports
Type	Manga
Volumes	29
Author	Heiuchi, Natsuko
Premiered	1987
Chapters	Unknown

Ah yes, another great soccer manga on this list, and this will surely grab your attention. Offside follows the story of a young middle schooler who is pretty tall for his age.

This middle schooler is a goal-keeper who went to Yokonan high school and it’s known to be popular among soccer players. After trying so hard to enter, little did he know that he would end up failing and going to a low-ranked high school.

Oh, wait! I forgot to tell the name of the middle schooler, his name is Goro Kumagaya.

Goro then meets some skilled soccer players who invite Goro to their club, Goro starts to become a better player at soccer and the hard-working for sure pays off  Goro and his team/friends become the champions one day.

 

6- Days!

Information
Title	Days
Genre	Sports
Type	Manga
Volumes	42
Author	Yasuda, Tsuyoshi
Premiered	2013
Chapters	376

Bonds, friendship, inspiration, I love these aspects in any anime or manga. They just give me the feels! Y’all understand, right?

Days is another great manga following the story of Tsukushi Tsukamoto, a pretty weak and lame guy, who is not interested in any type of sport. However, when Jin Kazama Invites him to play futsal with his team after saving him from bullies, everything changes for Tsukamoto, as he starts to love football.

However, this doesn’t change anything as he was still weak. For him to get into a famous team was nearly impossible. Does he make it? Find the answer to this question by reading the manga. Orrr! Do you want me to spoil it all for you lazy peeps?

5-Angel Voice

Information
Title	Angel Voice
Genre	Sports
Type	Manga
Volumes	40
Author	Koyano, Takao
Premiered	2007
Chapters	357

Angel Voice takes us to a school which is known for its football club named Ranzan. There are many aspiring soccer players but the coach, Tetsuo Kuroki, will choose the strongest players and form teams. We’re introduced to Shingo Narita who wants to join the team. He had practiced soccer a while ago and wants to be the best soccer player now. Tetsuo is ready to teach him new ways to play soccer and that will change his life forever. 

4- The Build Up

Information
Title	The Build Up
Genre	Sports
Type	Manhwa
Volumes	Unknown
Author	911
Premiered	2020
Chapters	Unknown

The Build Up tells us the story of an ordinary guy named Maru Kang, who has ordinary interests. One day, he’s forced to watch a soccer game on T.V by his father. He instantly fell in love with the sport and decided to become the best soccer player ever. However, at his school, he’s known as “The King of Losers”. Will he overcome his fears and dare to be the center of attention while playing soccer?

3- Shudan!

Information
Title	Shudan
Genre	Sports
Type	Manga
Volumes	4
Author	Yokota, Takuma
Premiered	2017
Chapters	32

Shudan introduces us to the Hamanishi FC soccer team which seems to be an average soccer team at first. However, there are a few players in that team that have the tendency to become diamonds after being polished. Akira is the only girl in the team who is accepted by the boys only after she showcases impressive skills. Will this team filled with oddballs be able to become the best soccer team ever?

2-Tiempo

Information
Title	Tiempo
Genre	Sports
Type	Manga
Volumes	Unknown
Author	Iino, Daisuke
Premiered	2018
Chapters	Unknown

Tiempo tells us the story of a crybaby named Yuzuki Seto who had been playing soccer since his middle school days. In his high school team, a guy named Keisuke Asami joined his team. There will be a lot of disturbance in the team and things will get tough for Yuzuki. Will he be able to withstand the pressure from Keisuke?

1- Whistle

Information
Title	Whistle
Genre	Sports
Type	Manga
Volumes	24
Author	Higuchi, Daisuke
Premiered	1998
Chapters	216

Let’s talk about some hard work and passion. Whistle is a great illustration of both these things. This manga follows the story of Shou Kazamatsuri, a soccer lover. But, this doesn’t mean that he’s a great player.

In the beginning, Shou decides to go to a prestigious soccer school. However, things didn’t go smoothly as he was considered a bench warmer.

He changes schools in hopes of getting a chance. Will he get that chance? Find it yourself!

 

⚽ Comment Or get hit by a football! ⚽

This list is completely based on my personal opinion. Which Soccer Anime are you going to read and watch next? Let us know in the comments down below. We’ll come back with more sports anime blogs!