Captain Tsubasa

This series was created on the occasion of the soccer world championships that took place in Korea and Gaippone in 2002. As you will have understood by now, this story inevitably binds and intersects with the real life of Japan, but not only. In fact this series is full of references to real soccer players and real football teams. It can be divided into two parts of 26 episodes each: - 'Elementary arc' + 'middle school arc'( personally I think they cut a little too much of the story) + 'shin captain tsubasa arc' (quite good) - first part of 'CTWY' (Tsubasa in Brazil) and the first part of 'CTRT2002'(Tsubasa in Europe): it is as if they had taken these two parts of the manga e. for some strange reason and mixed them together The perspective is completely new, in fact the story begins with Tsubasa who is playing his last game in Brazil and remembers his football career, from the beginning. This match continues to be present in the first part of the story, as the episodes continue. In the second part you can admire a completely new match, Japan vs Holland, with all our beloved heroes lined up on the field. There's only one special manga, based on this game, and, a movie, which is only found in Japanese with subtitles. At the end of the 52nd episode it's already possible to see which challenge will await 'Tsubasa & Co.' at the end of their journey, which just seems to never end in the manga ... The new graphics are very appealing and music is exciting. We must admit that 'CT' we can also admire the evolution of Japanese animation and find the reflection and magic of past times. What can I say ... I wanted them to continue where it ended ... Nothing to say 'CT' is always the same, even if the years pass!

(This review contains spoiler) Simply the best adaptation of Captain Tsubasa, it allows us to know more about the Japanese team and how the stars of the different teams from the beginning develop playing together, it allows us to see the perfect duo, Hyuga and Tsubasa, in addition to that, we can see how they develop in different teams, for example, Hyuga in Juventus, Wakabayashi in Hamburg and Tsubasa in Sao Paulo and Barcelona, ​​these in turn added iconic characters of that moment, an example is Rivaldo in Barcelona playing alongside Tsubasa, also we can see an epic duel between Tsubasa and Roberto (Roberto as DT). Thisversion of Captain Tsubasa is simply beautiful and worth seeing a thousand times

In the landscape of sports anime that helped shape the genre’s global identity, Captain Tsubasa occupies a particularly influential place. First appearing during an era when anime was still expanding its international reach, the series introduced a style of storytelling that blended youthful ambition with dramatic sports action. Even decades after its original broadcast, the name Captain Tsubasa remains widely recognized, especially among people who grew up during the rise of televised anime in the 1980s and 1990s. At the center of the story is Tsubasa Ozora, a young boy whose dream is to become the best football player in the world. More than presentingsports as simple competition, the narrative frames football as a path toward personal growth, teamwork, and perseverance. Each match is structured almost like a miniature story arc, steadily building tension through rivalries, strategic plays, and the characters’ determination to overcome their limits. The cast of side characters also contributes strongly to the show’s appeal. Rivals such as the talented goalkeeper Genzo Wakabayashi and the powerful striker Kojiro Hyuga bring contrasting playstyles and personalities, turning matches into clashes of ideals as much as athletic ability. These rivalries give the narrative emotional weight, reinforcing the idea that improvement often comes through competition with equally determined opponents. One of the defining characteristics of the series is its dramatic approach to sports storytelling. Matches often unfold with exaggerated scale, where the field appears endlessly large and individual techniques are presented with near mythic intensity. These stylistic choices sometimes stretch realism, yet they also create a sense of excitement that transforms ordinary football plays into moments of heroic spectacle. For many people, this heightened drama became part of the signature identity. From a visual standpoint, the animation reflects the stylistic conventions of classic sports anime. While the pacing of matches can be slower than modern productions, the series compensates with expressive reactions, dynamic camera angles, and memorable signature moves that highlight the drama of each play. The presentation may not aim for strict realism, but it successfully captures the spirit of youthful passion and competitive energy. Even today, Captain Tsubasa continues to stand as one of the most recognizable football anime ever created. Its influence can be seen not only in later sports series but also in the real-world inspiration it provided to many football fans and players around the world. As a result, the series remains an enduring example of how anime can transform a familiar sport into a story of dreams and relentless determination. Anyway, keep in mind that no opinion is ever purely objective, and every perspective remains open to discussion. Even so, each viewpoint still holds its own value. If you happen to see things differently, simple mutual respect is more than enough. That same respect is the spirit behind this reflection as well. Wishing everyone a peaceful day ahead, and thank you for taking the time to read.