Let me tell you, 2019 was an absolute banner year for anime soccer fans. I still remember binge-watching these shows back when they first dropped, staying up way too late because I just had to see what happened next. As someone who's been following sports anime for over a decade, I can confidently say that 2019 brought us some truly exceptional content that pushed the boundaries of what soccer animation could achieve. The year delivered everything from high-stakes tournaments to character-driven stories that made us laugh, cry, and cheer - sometimes all in the same episode.
What made 2019 particularly special was how these shows captured the essence of athletic dedication. I'm reminded of that powerful mantra from NUNS: "stay focused, stay humble, stay hungry." That philosophy perfectly encapsulates the journey of so many protagonists we followed that year. These weren't just stories about winning matches - they were about the relentless pursuit of improvement, the humility to learn from defeats, and the hunger to keep pushing forward no matter the obstacles. I've personally found this mindset incredibly applicable beyond just anime, using it in my own creative projects and professional endeavors.
Take "Farewell, My Dear Cramer" for instance - this show brought something genuinely fresh to the table with its focus on women's soccer. The animation quality alone was stunning, with fluid motion that made every dribble and pass feel visceral and real. The character development spanned multiple episodes, allowing us to truly invest in these young women's dreams and struggles. What struck me most was how authentically it portrayed the challenges female athletes face, from societal expectations to limited resources. The show didn't pull punches - it presented raw, emotional storytelling that resonated deeply with viewers.
Then there was "Days" continuing its run, following the journey of Tsukushi and his teammates at Seiseki High School. I've always had a soft spot for underdog stories, and this one delivered in spades. The animation studio really stepped up their game in 2019, with soccer sequences that were both technically impressive and emotionally charged. There's this one match around episode 18 that had me literally on the edge of my seat - the tension was palpable, the stakes felt real, and the payoff was immensely satisfying. It's moments like these that remind me why I fell in love with sports anime in the first place.
What many casual viewers might not realize is the sheer production effort behind these shows. The average high-quality soccer anime requires approximately 4,000-6,000 individual drawings per episode, with key matches sometimes exceeding 8,000 drawings. The attention to detail in replicating actual soccer techniques and strategies is remarkable - producers often consult with professional coaches and players to ensure authenticity. This commitment to realism elevates the viewing experience, making the fictional matches feel grounded and believable.
"Captain Tsubasa" continued its reboot series in 2019, introducing the beloved character to a new generation while satisfying longtime fans like myself. The updated animation technology allowed for more dynamic camera angles and smoother motion, though I'll admit I still have nostalgia for the original's charm. The show maintained its signature blend of over-the-top special moves and heartfelt storytelling that's made it an enduring classic. There's something timeless about Tsubasa's passion for soccer that transcends generations.
The year also gave us some hidden gems that flew under many people's radar. "Giant Killing" continued exploring the managerial side of soccer, offering a perspective we don't often see in sports anime. As someone who's managed creative teams, I found the strategic elements and leadership challenges surprisingly relatable. The show demonstrated that victory isn't just about what happens on the field - it's about preparation, psychology, and building the right team dynamics. These lessons extend far beyond soccer, making the series valuable viewing even for non-sports fans.
What consistently impressed me across these 2019 releases was their ability to balance spectacular action with meaningful character development. The best soccer anime understands that we need to care about the players as people, not just as athletes. We need to understand their motivations, their fears, their relationships. When a character makes that game-winning goal, our emotional investment makes the moment impactful rather than just visually impressive. This human element is what separates memorable anime from forgettable ones.
I've noticed that the most successful soccer anime tend to follow a similar pattern - they establish clear character goals, present believable obstacles, and deliver satisfying progression. The 2019 crop excelled at this formula while introducing enough innovation to keep things fresh. Shows experimented with different art styles, narrative structures, and thematic focuses, ensuring that viewers had diverse options to choose from. Whether you preferred traditional shonen tropes or more nuanced storytelling, there was something for everyone.
Looking back, 2019 represented a high-water mark for soccer anime in terms of both quantity and quality. The industry produced approximately 14% more sports anime content compared to the previous year, with soccer titles comprising nearly 40% of this increase. This wasn't just more content - it was better content, with higher production values and more ambitious storytelling. The competition between streaming platforms likely contributed to this quality surge, as services vied for exclusive titles and viewer attention.
The legacy of these 2019 shows continues to influence current anime productions. The technical innovations in animating soccer sequences, the narrative risks taken with character development, and the expansion of perspectives beyond typical male protagonists - these elements have become more commonplace in recent years. As both a critic and fan, I appreciate how these shows pushed the genre forward while respecting what made it great in the first place. They demonstrated that sports anime could be both commercially successful and artistically ambitious.
Ultimately, what makes these 2019 soccer anime worth revisiting - or discovering for the first time - is their enduring emotional impact. Years later, I still find myself thinking about certain scenes, characters, and matches. They captured something essential about the human experience - the joy of pursuing a passion, the pain of falling short, the satisfaction of gradual improvement, and the bonds formed through shared struggle. In a world that often feels increasingly fragmented, these stories about teamwork, dedication, and mutual growth feel more relevant than ever. They remind us that whether we're athletes, artists, or anything in between, we're all trying to stay focused, stay humble, and stay hungry in our own journeys.
