Europe is currently in football fever, as the European Championship 2024 is taking place right now. If you’re an anime fan who wants to watch some football outside of the matches (or cannot find interest in matches with real players), we have three awesome football animes for you.
In a MeinMMO survey, you made it clear that you are a big fan of The Wonderful Football Stars. The anime is about Captain Tsubasa, who has to fight his way to become a Japanese national player.
However, some of you indicated that it was a close race with The Kickers. The anime is also considered by many fans to be one of the good football animes that no one should miss.
You can watch the trailer for the Captain Tsubasa anime here:
MeinMMO introduces you to three more animes that involve the sport. These animes were released only a few years ago and have become some of the best football animes, according to MyAnimeList. We will reveal what the alternatives to The Wonderful Football Stars and The Kickers are.
Blue Lock
What is it about? The Japanese national team is in crisis. Therefore, the Japan Football Association decides to hire a new coach. Jinpachi Ego is convinced that the team is missing a good striker. He decides to let 300 strikers compete against each other.
One of the participants in this ultimate test is Yoichi Isagi. He has to assert himself against the others by proving confidence, skill, and fighting spirit. The anime follows him in this challenge to become the best striker in the world.
Who is Blue Lock for? The anime currently has 24 episodes and started in 2022. Unlike many other football animes, it is not about teamwork but about achieving personal goals. If that doesn’t bother you, you can watch the anime with peace of mind.
What MyAnimeList ratings say: The anime has a rating of 8.26 based on 362,448 votes on MyAnimeList.
Ao Ashi
What is it about? Ao Ashi focuses on a boy named Ashito Aoi, who is the star player of his junior high school team. However, an incident occurs where Ashito loses his composure and is kicked off the team.
The team falls apart after his ousting, and he begins to doubt himself. A new coach named Tatsuya Fukuda pulls him out of his slump and invites him to Tokyo to improve his skills.
Who is Ao Ashi for? Ao Ashi, like Blue Lock, has 24 episodes and was also released in the same year. Ao Ashi deals with interpersonal drama, the relationships between team members, and a grounded story. If these aspects appeal to you, the anime might be for you.
What MyAnimeList ratings say: The anime has a rating of 8.18 based on 107,092 votes on MyAnimeList.
Inazuma Eleven
What is it about? The football club of Raimon Middle School is on the verge of disbandment. It’s up to team captain Mamoru Endou to improve the situation. However, he realizes that the task will not be easy. He needs all the help he can get to save the club.
In this process, he meets Shuuya Gouenji, an extremely talented football player. He no longer wants to play, but Mamoru still sees hope in the boy and tries to convince him to join his team.
Who is Inazuma Eleven for? Inazuma Eleven has now produced several adaptations such as Inazuma Eleven GO, Inazuma Eleven: Ares, and Inazuma Eleven: Orion no Kokuin. This brings the anime to over 300 episodes. If this volume does not scare you off, you can start watching the anime with peace of mind.
What MyAnimeList ratings say: The anime has a rating of 7.72 based on 133,570 votes on MyAnimeList.
MeinMMO has more lists of animes that might be for you. If you’re a big fan of a famous wizard with a lightning scar, we have the following anime recommendations for you: 5 Animes you should know as a fan of Harry Potter
