A few years ago, football was not very popular among the Japanese. But currently, it has become the 3rd most popular sport in the country. Much is due to the 2002 World Cup, the first held in Asia, hosted in Japan and South Korea. In Japanese, “football” is sakkā, a word derived from the English “soccer”.
But much of the popularity of this sport is also due to numerous works, both mangas and animes, that portray football. This has, in a way, boosted a sport that was little practiced in the country until then.
Even though the sport may be portrayed sometimes in a fantastical way, it also shows the reality of football. Many of these mangas and animes have come to Brazil and have been quite successful, from the classic Captain Tsubasa (Super Campeões) to the more recent Super Onze (Inazuma Eleven). Here is a list of football animes:
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Captain Tsubasa (Super Campeões) (1983)
The anime tells the story of Oliver Tsubasa, a boy who is passionate about football. After moving to a new city, he finds new friends and a world of competitions in the sport.
His main dream is to defend the Japanese national football team in the FIFA World Cup. So he trains hard and overcomes many challenges on his journey, always striving to improve his strength and skills.
The series is somewhat fantastical with the movements of football. But it also deals with relationships between friends, rivals, training, competitions, and the progress of the games.
- The main character even comes to play on a Brazilian team
- It was announced that for 2018 we will have a remake of the anime;
Giant Killing (2010)
This anime tells the story of Tatsumi Takeshi, a former famous player, who now becomes a football coach. His goal is to pull his old team out of the bottom, now as a coach.
The story does not only focus on Tatsumi, but also on the players, fans, management, and administration of a team. It truly shows how everything works in a football club.
Inazuma Eleven (Super Onze) (2008)
In this anime, we meet Mamoru Endou (in Brazil Satoru Endou), a young and talented goalkeeper of a school team. Even with so much talent, his school does not have a competitive football team. But everything changes when a new and skilled student moves to Endou’s school.
Then the goalkeeper goes in search of new players to boost the team. Very fantastical matches, players full of powers and various skills, a lot of action, and stadiums that become true battle arenas.
Area no Kishi (2012)
Kakeru Aizawa is the younger brother of the number 10 of the Japan U-15 national team. Kakeru is somewhat skeptical about being a player, so much so that he is only an assistant for his brother’s school team. But everything changes when an old childhood friend who played football with them returns.
She does not understand how Kakeru lost confidence in playing football. A terrible event marks their lives, and from that point on, young Kakeru decides to pursue his dream of participating in a National championship.
Days (2016)
The series shows the development of Tsukushi Tsukamoto, a shy and awkward teenager who is not very skilled at football. But one day, after some events, he proves to be very hardworking and dedicated, despite his lack of skill in the sport.
His friend Jin, considered a genius in football, seeing Tsukushi’s dedication invites him to join the team. Tsukushi, despite being fragile, weak, and awkward, shows great willingness, which helps the team work together, even if it seems difficult.
Other football animes
- Whistle! (2002)
- Ginga e Kickoff!! (2012)
- Aoki Densetsu Shoot! (1993)
- Hungry Heart: Wild Striker (2002)
- Ganbare, Kickers! (1997)
- Keppeki Danshi! Aoyama-kun (2017)
- Eyeshield 21 (2004)
Have you watched any of these football animes? Do you like this style of anime? Leave your comments and share with your friends. We also recommend reading:
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- Inspirational and motivational animes – Chase your dreams!
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