Are you looking for the Top 13 Soccer Anime of all time? Then you have come to the right place. Studies suggest that soccer is one of the most popular genres of sports filmmaking. While there are many films and games that are making names for themselves on the soccer field, anime has a story of its own. The anime world has numerous shows that came out over the years.
While some of these anime projects were only decent, there were many that we can give the legendary status. Today, we will take a look at all those anime shows that marked their name as the best soccer anime. Thus, here is a list of the Top 13 Soccer Anime of all time.
1. Moero! Top Striker
The first name on this list of the Top 13 Soccer Anime is Moero! Top Striker. The anime series dates back to 1991, and Nippon Animation is responsible for making the 49 episode series. The story of Moero! Top Striker revolves around the Italian youth football championship where a team is struggling to find their stance as a strong contender. The screenwriting of Moero! Top Striker is definitely one of the most intriguing soccer plots that you must watch.
2. Detective Conan Movie 16: The Eleventh Striker
On the second spot is an exceptional episode film of Detective Conan anime that came out in April 2012. The film is the 16th edition of the Detective Conan film franchise. The plot of The Eleventh Striker traces a football match that Conan must win to save the city from a gang of serial bombers. TMS Entertainment is responsible for the production of this movie.
3. Captain Tsubasa
Captain Tsubasa is probably one of the oldest sports shows in the history of anime. The original manga by Yōichi Takahashi came out in 1981. Two years later, Tsuchida Production came with an anime venture that ran till 2018 with multiple reboots. The story of Captain Tsubasa revolves around the titular character who is the captain of a soccer team. The emotional arcs between Tsubasa and his teammates are the main focus of the plot. If you want to experience the nostalgia of classic anime shows, go for Captain Tsubasa.
4. The Knight in The Area
The next name in the list of the Top 13 Soccer Anime is The Knight in The Area. The anime is based on the original work by Hiroaki Igano and Kaya Tsukiyama. The story of this 2012 show follows brothers Kakeru Aizawa and Suguru Aizawa. While Suguru is a champion soccer player, Kakeru struggles to follow in the footsteps of his prodigal brother. Thus, Kakeru endeavors to break free from the burdens of his family. The Knight in The Area is a top soccer anime if you’re looking for one.
5. Fight! Kickers
To look into this show, let’s get back to the mid-80s. The Fight! Kickers anime series is one of the pioneers of the soccer anime genre. Studio Pierrot is responsible for making this 26-episode tale. Fight! Kickers trace the Kitahara, who is a champion soccer player. But he realizes that his game is downgrading after moving to a small town. Now, his focus shifts from playing to coaching his new team. Thus, the journey of an underdog team begins.
6. Eyeshield 21
Sentai Filmworks’s Eyeshield 21 is a very popular comedy sports anime that came out in 2005. With just a single season, the show has managed to make a name for itself. As for the plot, the premise follows soccer player Sena Kobayakawa who must hide his identity in the ground because he is a running back. However, this becomes a struggle as his game takes a toll under these circumstances. Thus, Sena must face his demons and finally come out in his high school.
7. Soccer Fever
In April 1994, Tokyo Movie Shinsha studio came with a path-breaking soccer anime called Soccer Fever. The story of this series revolves around the life story of football legend Brian Thompson. Right from his childhood to his struggles as a player. The storyline also features many legends whose glory you will recall as you watch the animated show. This one is a single-season watch that will stay with you for a long time.
8. Inazuma Eleven
Amongst this list, Inazuma Eleven is probably the longest-running soccer anime of all time. With over six seasons that ran for four years, the show has created a name for itself. So, the premise of Inazuma Eleven Endou Mamoru, who is a gifted goalkeeper just like his late grandfather. However, his school team is not compatible enough to compete in the national championships. Thus, he decides to train his team members to become Japan’s number one soccer team.
9. Days
Another very recent addition to this list of Top 13 Soccer Anime is the 2016 anime series Days. MAPPA Studios is behind the productions of this single-season anime. Now, the plot of Days revolves around Tsukushi Tsukamoto, who joins a soccer team of his new school. While entering the unit was easier, staying there is not the same. Thus, his battles, both internally and externally, begins.
10. Hungry Heart: Wild Striker
Another soccer anime from the early 2000s is the Nippon Animation creation Hungry Heart Wild Striker. The series is based on a manga of the same name by Yōichi Takahashi, who is also the author of Captain Tsubasa. Here, the premise follows Kanō Kyōsuke, who just cannot run away from his identity as the brother of Kanō Seisuke. Well, Seisuke is a champion soccer player in Japan. Hence, the main focus of the story is around the endeavors of Kyōsuke as he struggles to build his own identity.
11. Whistle!
The eleventh name on this Top 13 Soccer Anime is Whistle! This anime is easily one of the best soccer shows out there. The show first came out in 2002. Studio Comet gets the credit for the production of this classic. The show’s premise revolves around Shō Kazamatsuri, who gets admission to a new school in order to find the right soccer team for himself. But he realizes that his hardships have only begun. Thus, the journey of a thriving player begins.
12. Giant Killing
The next anime on this list is the 2010 anime Giant Killing. The show is based on a manga of the same name by Masaya Tsunamoto and Tsujitomo. The premise tracks the falling phase of East Tokyo United, a once champion soccer team. But the team is seeing all the loss of their career from the past few years. Enters Tatsumi Takeshi, who is a new coach who has decided to change things up for this team.
13. Legendary Blue Shot!
The last name on this list of the Top 13 Soccer Anime is Legendary Blue Shot! This anime is almost four decades old and still remains relevant enough. As for the plot, it tracks the life story of Toshihiko Tanaka, who is highly passionate about soccer. However, his teammates are not into the sport as much as him. Thus, he must convince them to play their best for the team’s sake.
So, with Legendary Blue Shot, we can conclude our list of the Top 13 Soccer Anime of all time. We hope that this list will help you in deciding the next soccer anime on your binge list. Lastly, for more such listicles, keep coming back to The Anime Daily.