Sports, whether it’s ice skating, tennis, volleyball or boxing, is a consistently popular genre in anime. One type of sports anime that holds a special place in many fans’ hearts is soccer, ranging from classics like Captain Tsubasa to more recent titles like Cleanliness Boy! Aoyama-kun.
Anime!Anime! surveyed 90 fans between May 9−12 to find out favorite soccer players in anime. If you’re ready, let’s get started beginning with a tie between new and old in 4th!
4. Gouenji Shuuya, Inazuma Eleven / Aoyama, Cleanliness Boy! Aoyama-kun Vol. 4
Inazuma Eleven is among the most popular soccer anime out there, so seeing Gouenji on this list shouldn’t come as a surprise! Germaphobic high school soccer player Aoyama-kun of Cleanliness Boy! Aoyama-kun managed to slide into 4th place too.
3. Ozora Tsubasa, Captain Tsubasa
Next in 3rd with 6% of the vote is the talented Ozora Tsubasa of Captain Tsubasa. This monumental work is the king of soccer titles, and a new anime even began airing this past April, so Tsubasa has certainly earned his place in this ranking.
2. Tsukamoto Tsukushi, DAYS
Coming in 2nd with 8% of the vote is Tsukamoto Tsukushi! Shy and clumsy, he nevertheless becomes a huge motivating force in his high school’s famous soccer club.
1. Endou Mamoru, Inazuma Eleven
Taking the crown with a phenomenal 20% of the vote is yet another Inazuma Eleven favorite, Endou Mamoru! He’s the franchise’s foremost protagonist, even appearing in later series. His main position is goalkeeper in addition to his role as team captain, and his positivity and and passion has earned the love of teammates and fans alike!
Doesn’t this list make you want to go out and play a game of soccer yourself? As always, stay alert for more fun surveys in the future!
Adapted with permission from Anime!Anime!