November 11th marks “Soccer Day” in Japan, a date established to promote soccer, stemming from the fact that a soccer team consists of eleven players. Soccer anime remains one of the most popular genres within sports works, captivating audiences with its diverse portrayals of the beautiful game. From aspiring to national tournaments with close companions, to chasing professional dreams, or even showcasing superhuman, reality-defying plays, the world of soccer anime is incredibly rich and varied.
Anime!Anime! once again conducted a reader survey, titled **”When you think of ‘Soccer’ Anime?”** following last year’s edition. We received 89 responses during the survey period from October 25th to October 31st. The gender ratio was approximately 30 percent male and 70 percent female, showing a predominantly female audience. The age demographic was primarily younger individuals, with about 50 percent being 19 years old or younger and 15 percent in their 20s.
Table of Contents
■ Beloved Soccer Anime, From Classics to the Latest Hits!
First Place
Securing the top spot is **_Blue Lock_**.
TV Anime 『Blue Lock VS. U-20 JAPAN』U-20 Japan National Team Match Key Visual (C)Muneyuki Kaneshiro・Kohta Sannomiya・Yuusuke Nomura・Kodansha/「Gekijouban Blue Lock」Production Committee
_Blue Lock_ is based on a manga serialized in “Weekly Shounen Magazine.” The story follows 300 high school forwards who are gathered for the “Blue Lock” project, an initiative designed to cultivate the ultimate striker who will lead Japan to a World Cup victory. These young players face a grueling selection process, where only the strongest egoists survive.
The TV anime aired for two consecutive cours starting in October 2022. In 2024, _Gekijouban Blue Lock -EPISODE Nagi-_ was released, and the second season of the TV anime, _Blue Lock VS. U-20 JAPAN_, also aired.
Readers shared their excitement, with comments such as: “The unconventional depiction of soccer, asserting that forwards must be egoists, is shocking. The charismatic characters wield their individuality as a weapon and continue to grow even amidst the intense selection process, combined with the death game-like rule where eliminated players lose their chance to represent Japan, creates such a thrilling atmosphere.” Another reader added, “The characters striving to become the world’s best striker in such a unique environment are incredibly cool. I watch with anticipation, praying for my oshi (favorite character) to make it through.” This series has clearly resonated by overturning traditional soccer anime tropes.
It was recently announced at an event in September 2025 that a sequel to the TV series is in production. Fans are ecstatic, with one comment stating, “The long-awaited new season is finally confirmed! No matter what developments lie ahead, I’ll continue to support _Blue Lock_!” This surge in fan excitement undoubtedly contributed to the series garnering over half of all votes.
Second Place
Coming in second place is **_Captain Tsubasa_**.
『Captain Tsubasa Season 2 Junior Youth Arc』 (C)Youichi Takahashi／Shueisha・Captain Tsubasa Season 2 Junior Youth Arc Production Committee
_Captain Tsubasa_ is based on a manga that began serialization in “Weekly Shounen Jump” in 1981. The story centers on Oozora Tsubasa, a soccer prodigy who transfers to Nankatsu Elementary, and chronicles his growth as a player. It achieved immense success not only in Japan but also worldwide.
The series has been adapted into anime multiple times, with the latest being _Captain Tsubasa Season 2 Junior Youth Arc_, which aired from 2023 to 2024. This installment saw Tsubasa, as part of the Japan Jr. Youth national team, joining forces with former rivals to engage in fierce battles against formidable international opponents.
Many comments for this work highlighted its immense fame. One reader enthusiastically noted, “This is the series that many players who now excel in the J.League and World Cup cite as their inspiration to start playing soccer. It’s a masterpiece that influenced global soccer!” Another comment echoed, “It’s no exaggeration to say it changed the history of soccer. It’s truly a monumental work that can be called a legend among soccer anime.” This title, credited with significantly increasing Japan’s soccer population, proudly takes the second spot.
Third Place
Taking third place is **_Inazuma Eleven_**.
『Eiga Inazuma Eleven Soushuuhen Densetsu no Kickoff』Visual (C)LEVEL5 Inc. (C)LEVEL5／FC Inazuma Eleven・TV Tokyo
_Inazuma Eleven_ is an anime series based on the soccer RPG developed by Level-5. Starring Endou Mamoru, the captain of the Raimon Middle School soccer club, the story follows his underdog team as they challenge powerful rivals. The first series premiered in 2008, and numerous titles have been produced since, with the film _Inazuma Eleven The Movie 2025_ released in 2024.
Readers commented, “As ‘Super Dimension Soccer’ suggests, anything goes! Not just special moves (hissatsu-waza), but players even manifest ‘Keshin,’ embodying their spiritual energy. Although it’s a shounen anime, it was popular even among junior and high school girls, and thanks to this anime, I even made new friends!” Another reader fondly recalled, “It was our youth itself. We raced through our elementary school days with _Inazuma Eleven_.” This media mix project, which sparked a massive boom, continues to garner strong support. Coincidentally, the latest game in the series, _Inazuma Eleven Eiyuu-tachi no Victory Road_, was just released on November 14th.
This year’s survey saw titles from the 1980s all the way to the 2020s making it into the ranking. Soccer-themed titles are naturally popular, but votes also went to a diverse range of works, including _Meitantei Conan_, featuring a protagonist with professional-level soccer skills, and _Shippuu! Iron Leaguer_, which depicts multiple sports including soccer. Don’t miss the next page, where we reveal all the titles that received votes!
■ Ranking Top 5
[“When you think of ‘Soccer’ Anime? 2025 Edition”]
1st Place: _Blue Lock_
2nd Place: _Captain Tsubasa_
3rd Place: _Inazuma Eleven_
4th Place: _Meitantei Conan_
5th Place: _Whistle!_
(Response period: October 25, 2025 – October 31, 2025)
Next page: All works that received votes are released
《Takahashi Katsunori》
