Ten Soccer-Themed Anime Shows and their Streaming Platforms

If you're a soccer fan with a soft spot for anime, you're in for a treat! Animated sports series about soccer, or as some call it, football, are plentiful and cater to both long-time enthusiasts and newbies alike.

Soccer anime has grown into a vibrant subgenre within the sports anime world, offering a variety of timeless classics and modern choices. Now, let's dive into some must-watch soccer anime series and where to stream them.

'Captain Tsubasa' Stream it on: YouTube This timeless classic is a certified anime favorite, based on a popular manga series of the same name that ran from 1981 to 1989. The anime adaptation follows Tsubasa, a young boy with dreams of world cup glory, as he refines his skills and climbs the ranks of soccer.
'Aoashi' Stream it on: Crunchyroll This top-tier football anime series tells the story of Ashito Aoi, a middle school student and soccer prodigy. While Ashito's fiery temper gets him kicked off his school team, a perceptive coach gives him a second chance, setting the stage for personal growth and team success.
'Giant Killing' Stream it on: Some episodes may be available on YouTube In "Giant Killing," Coach Tatsumi Takeshi takes on the challenge of reviving the struggling East Tokyo United soccer club. Despite resistance from fans and a mixed reputation, Takeshi shows his prowess at taking down the bigger, more established teams that ETU faces.
'Blue Lock' Stream it on: Crunchyroll, Apple TV In this hit adaptation of a popular manga, Jinpachi Ego, a mysterious football guru, launches a rigorous training program to mold elite strikers for the Japanese national team. High school player Yoichi Isagi enters the program and starts to excel, as the series focuses on the high stakes and grueling process of pushing beyond one's limits.
'Hungry Heart: Wild Striker' Stream it on: Some episodes may be available on YouTube Kano Kyosuke, a high school student, seeks to escape the shadow of his older brother, a successful AC Milan player. When he joins Jyoyo high school's soccer team, he reignites his passion for football in this anime series that's often praised for its exciting gameplay and human drama.
'Inazuma Eleven' Stream it on: Amazon Video Based on a popular video game, "Inazuma Eleven" delivers thrilling soccer action geared towards younger fans. The story follows the Raimon Middle School football club, captained by Mamoru Endou, as they overcome various obstacles to achieve success.
'Days' Stream it on: Crunchyroll, YouTube "Days" blends soccer excitement with interpersonal drama, following the relationship between two players, each with their own unique talents and journeys.
'Farewell, My Dear Cramer' Stream it on: Crunchyroll Based on a manga series, this sequel to "Sayonara, Football" focuses on Nozomi Onda, a talented footballer who plays on her school's boy's team. In high school, Nozomi teams up with Sumire and Midori, forming a girl's soccer team and offering a realistic depiction of the soccer world.
'Clean Freak! Aoyama kun' Stream it on: Crunchyroll "Clean Freak! Aoyama kun" delivers action-packed soccer sequences and quirky humor, following the story of Aoyama, a high school student with an unusual aversion to getting dirty.
'Aoki Densetsu Shoot!' Stream it on: Currently unavailable to stream. Check your local library! A classic soccer anime from the 1990s, "Aoki Densetsu Shoot!" follows Toshihiko Tanaka, a high school student pursuing his dreams of football glory. The story doubles as an underdog tale with the nostalgic appeal of 90s anime style.

Football, or soccer, is a popular sport within the sphere of sports anime, with an abundance of series dedicated to the sport. Moreover, timeless classics such as Captain Tsubasa and contemporary choices like Aoashi offer a captivating blend of soccer action and human drama, making them must-watch series for any soccer anime fan.