by November 11th is “Soccer Day.” It was established to promote soccer, taking its name from the fact that a soccer team has 11 players.
Soccer anime is one of the most popular sports genres. From teammates striving for the national championship and pursuing dreams in the professional world to performing superhuman moves that would be impossible in real life, the world of soccer is depicted in many ways. Following on from last year, Anime! Anime! Conducted a reader survey titled “What’s the Best Soccer Anime?” We received 89 responses from October 25th to October 31st.
The gender ratio was approximately 30% male and 70% female, with the majority being female. The age demographic was primarily younger, with approximately 50% under 19 and approximately 15% in their 20s. From classics to the latest releases, a collection of beloved soccer anime! Taking the top spot was “Blue Lock.” “Blue Lock” is based on a manga currently being serialized in “Weekly Shonen Magazine.”
The story follows 300 high school forwards gathered in the “Blue Lock (Blue Prison)” project, which aims to train strikers who can lead Japan to victory in the World Cup, as they compete in a selection process that will determine their survival.
The TV anime will air for two consecutive seasons starting in October 2022. In 2024, “Blue Lock the Movie: Episode Nagi” was released, and the second season of the TV anime, “Blue Lock VS. U-20 JAPAN,” also aired. Readers commented, “The unique portrayal of soccer, which asserts that forwards must be selfish, is shocking.
The fascinating characters continue to grow even during the selection process, using their individuality as a weapon, while the death game-like setting in which disqualified players lose their right to play for the Japanese national team is heartbreaking.” Others commented, “The characters are so cool, striving to become the world’s best striker in such a unique environment. I watch with the hope that my favorite will win.”
The series’ plot, which overturns traditional values in soccer anime, is gaining popularity. A sequel to the TV series was just announced at an event held in September 2025. “The long-awaited new work has been confirmed! No matter what happens next, I’ll continue to support ‘Blue Lock’!!” Fans’ excitement also fueled the series, winning a majority of votes. Coming in second place was “Captain Tsubasa.” “Captain Tsubasa” is based on a manga that began serialization in Weekly Shonen Jump in 1981.
The story of Ozora Tsubasa, a talented soccer player who transfers to Nankatsu Elementary School, has been a huge hit not only in Japan but also worldwide. It has been adapted into multiple films, with the latest Anime, “Captain Tsubasa Season 2: Junior Youth Arc,” airing from 2023 to 2024. As a member of the Japan Junior Youth National Team, Tsubasa teams up with his former rivals to battle against the world’s top teams. Numerous comments have been made about the series’ immense popularity.
“Many J.League and World Cup players say this is the show that inspired them to take up soccer. It’s a masterpiece that has had an impact on soccer around the world!” and “It’s no exaggeration to say it changed the history of soccer. It’s truly a monumental achievement that deserves to be called a soccer anime legend.”
Ranking second was “Inazuma Eleven,” a title that significantly increased soccer’s popularity in Japan. Coming in third was “Inazuma Eleven.” “Inazuma Eleven” is an anime series based on the soccer RPG created by Level-5. Starring Endou Mamoru, captain of the Raimon Junior High School soccer team, the series follows an underdog team as it faces powerful opponents.
The series has spawned numerous titles, including the first instalment in 2008, and the 2024 film “Inazuma Eleven: The Movie 2025.” Readers commented, “As you’d expect from a super-dimensional soccer game, anything goes, from special moves to the physical manifestation of players’ ki! It’s a boys’ Anime, but it’s also popular with middle and high school girls, and I made friends thanks to it.” Others said, “It’s the epitome of our youth. I spent my elementary school years with Inazuma Eleven.”
The series has also garnered support as a media mix project that sparked a boom. The latest game, “Inazuma Eleven: Heroes’ Victory Road,” was released on November 14th. This survey ranked titles from the 1980s to the 2020s. Votes were cast for a wide variety of works, including soccer-themed titles, as well as “Detective Conan,” in which the main character has professional-level skills, and “Shippuu! Iron Leaguer,” which depicts multiple sports, including soccer.
Ranking Top 5 [When you think of “soccer” anime, what comes to mind? 2025 Edition] 1st: “Blue Lock” 2nd: “Captain Tsubasa” 3rd: “Inazuma Eleven” 4th: “Detective Conan” 5th: “Whistle!” (Response period: October 25th to October 31st, 2025)
All works for which votes were cast: “Blue Lock,” “Captain Tsubasa,” “Inazuma Eleven,” “Detective Conan,” “Whistle!” “DAYS” “Aoashi” “Area no Kishi” “Ganbare! Kickers, Goodbye, My Cramer, Beddecor and the Broom, and Gale! Iron Leaguer (Response period: October 25th to October 31st, 2025)
This survey is part of a survey of readers’ opinions on “interest and attention in current anime works and characters.” The results are not intended to determine the superiority or inferiority of any character or work. This article will allow readers to learn about new works and characters, deepening their understanding and interest.
