Sports manga, a vibrant genre in Japanese comics, captivates readers with thrilling athletic narratives and deeply human stories. These mangas go beyond mere depictions of various sports; they dive into the lives, struggles, and triumphs of athletes, blending action-packed sequences with emotional character arcs.
10 Best Sports Anime You Should Definitely Watch
Sports is the most underrated anime genre, but there are some spectacular sports anime that can be compared to some of the best ongoing anime shows.
From the basketball courts of Slam Dunk to the boxing rings of Hajime no Ippo, each series brings a unique dynamic to the genre. They offer a mix of realistic portrayals, like in Haikyuu!! for volleyball, to the more fantastic elements seen in Kuroko’s basketball. This list explores the best sports manga ever made, resonating with newcomers and sports fans.
10Captain Tsubasa
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 7.52
Captain Tsubasa
Why Read Captain Tsubasa?
Captain Tsubasa, created by Yoichi Takahashi, is a seminalsoccer animeand manga that has inspired countless fans and players worldwide. It follows the journey of Tsubasa Oozora, a gifted soccer player whose childhood dream is to win the FIFA World Cup for Japan. What sets Captain Tsubasa apart is its dramatic, imaginative portrayal of soccer.
For instance, the manga features exaggerated and highly stylized soccer moves, like Tsubasa’s signature Drive Shot, a powerful and curving strike that baffles goalkeepers. Captain Tsubasa stands out for its unique blend of over-the-top soccer action and its influential role in popularizing soccer in countries where it wasn’t traditionally a major sport.
Release Date
Where To Read
August 17, 2025
9Prince Of Tennis
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 7.71
Prince Of Tennis
Why Read Prince Of Tennis?
Prince of Tennis, created by Takeshi Konomi, is a manga that follows the prodigious tennis player Ryoma Echizen as he enrolls in the prestigious Seishun Academy. Ryoma aims to surpass his father, a legendary tennis player, and become the best in Japan. The series showcases his journey through various tournaments, facing increasingly skilled opponents.
Prince of Tennis stands out because of its unique blend of realistic tennis play and powerful abilities. For instance, Ryoma possesses the Twist Serve, a powerful and unpredictable serve that leaves opponents struggling. These extraordinary skills, while stretching the bounds of reality, add excitement and unpredictability to matches.
June 02, 2025
8Yowamushi Pedal
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 7.97
Yowamushi Pedal
Why Read Yowamushi Pedal?
Yowamushi Pedal, by Wataru Watanabe, is a manga that centers around Onoda Sakamichi, an otaku (anime and manga enthusiast) who unexpectedly discovers his latent talent for cycling. He joins the competitive cycling club at Sohoku High School, where he meets fellow cyclists. The story primarily focuses on their training and participation in grueling races, particularly the inter-high school championship.
What distinguishes Yowamushi Pedal is its ability to blend detailed and realistic cycling strategies with the personal growth of its characters. For example, Onoda’s skill in climbing steep hills, developed from his daily rides on a mamachari (a simple utility bicycle) to Akihabara, showcases how his unique background contributes to his cycling style.
July 14, 2025
7Kuroko’s Basketball
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 8.11
Kuroko’s Basketball
Why Read Kuroko’s Basketball?
Kuroko’s Basketball, by Tadatoshi Fujimaki, follows the unassuming Tetsuya Kuroko, an ex-member of the famous middle schoolbasketball teamknown as The Generation of Miracles. Unlike his former teammates, Kuroko lacks outstanding physical abilities but excels in an almost invisible style of play, assisting and enhancing his team’s performance without drawing attention.
Kuruko’s Basketball: 10 Best Characters, Ranked
Kuroko’s Basketball features talented players like Murasakibara, Kagami, and Aomine, each bringing their unique flair to the court.
He becomes a player of the Seirin High School’s basketball team, partnering with the talented but straightforward Taiga Kagami, aiming to defeat his former teammates. What sets Kuroko’s Basketball apart is its blend of basketball strategy with unique, almost superhuman abilities. Kuroko’s Misdirection ability, which allows him to divert opponents' attention, is a prime example.
June 17, 2025
6Ace Of Diamond
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 8.22
Ace Of Diamond
Why Read Ace Of Diamond?
Ace of Diamond, a compellingbaseball animeand manga by Yuji Terajima, tells the story of Eijun Sawamura, a left-handed pitcher with a unique and unpredictable pitching style. Sawamura enrolls in the prestigious Seidou High School, known for its strong baseball team, aiming to become the ace and play in the national high school championship at Koshien Stadium.
Ace of Diamond is known for its realistic portrayal of high school baseball, focusing on teamwork, rivalry, and personal growth. Sawamura’s journey is marked by intense training, evolving skills, and psychological growth. A standout example is his development of the moving fastball, a pitch that significantly enhances his game.
August 21, 2025
5Eyeshield 21
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 8.47
Eyeshield 21
Why Read Eyeshield 21?
Eyeshield 21, created by Riichiro Inagaki and Yusuke Murata, is a manga that uniquely blends American football with shonen manga. The story revolves around Sena Kobayakawa, a shy and bullied high school student with exceptional speed and agility. His talents are noticed by the American football team Captain, Yoichi Hiruma, who coerces Sena to become the team’s running back.
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He adopts the pseudonym Eyeshield 21 to keep his identity secret from rival schools. What makes Eyeshield 21 stand out is its dynamic portrayal of the sport. For example, Sena’s Devil Bat Ghost move, which allows him to dodge opponents with incredible agility, exemplifies the manga’s creative take on football maneuvers.
June 21, 2025
4Ping Pong
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 8.51
Why Read Ping Pong?
Ping Pong, by Taiyo Matsumoto, is a manga that delves into the world of table tennis, focusing on the lives and development of its main characters, Makoto Tsukimoto (Smile) and Yutaka Hoshino (Peco). Smile, reserved, and seemingly unenthusiastic, possesses natural talent, while Peco, his boisterous best friend, is a passionate but undisciplined player.
What sets Ping Pong apart is its distinctive art style and deep, psychological exploration of its characters. Matsumoto’s unique visual storytelling beautifully captures the speed and intensity of table tennis. The success of the manga has led to successful adaptations, including an acclaimed anime series and a live-action film.
June 15, 2025
3Hajime No Ippo
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 8.73
Hajime no Ippo
Why Read Hajime No Ippo?
Hajime no Ippo, created by George Morikawa, is a manga that follows Ippo Makunouchi, a timid high school student who discovers his talent for boxing after being rescued from bullies by a professional boxer. Intrigued by the sport, Ippo joins the Kamogawa Boxing Gym, starting a journey filled with intense training.
Hajime no Ippo stands out for its meticulous attention to the technicalities and strategies of boxing. For example, Ippo developed the Dempsey Roll, a powerful and rhythmic bob-and-weave technique, which became his signature move. This level of detail in depicting boxing techniques adds authenticity to the story. The manga balances intense boxing matches with humor and heartfelt moments.
August 18, 2025
2Haikyuu!!
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 8.85
Why Read Haikyuu!!?
Haikyuu!!, created by Haruichi Furudate, is a volleyball manga that chronicles the journey of Shoyo Hinata, a short but passionate player inspired to play volleyball after seeing a star player nicknamed The Little Giant in action. Hinata joins Karasuno High School’s volleyball team, only to find his rival, the talented setter Tobio Kageyama, is now his teammate.
Together, they form a dynamic duo, utilizing Hinata’s exceptional jumping power and Kageyama’s precise setting skills. The manga is renowned for accurately depicting volleyball mechanics and tactics, such as Hinata and Kageyama’s signature quick attack, showcasing their rapid coordination and skill. Haikyuu!! also excels in character development, as each player has a distinct personality.
August 02, 2025
1Slam Dunk
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 9.09
Why Read Slam Dunk?
Slam Dunk, created by Takehiko Inoue, is #1 on this list for its detailed portrayal of basketball techniques and strategies, capturing the intensity of high school competitions. The manga follows Hanamichi Sakuragi, a high school delinquent who initially joins the Shohoku High School basketball team to impress a girl, Haruko Akagi. However, Sakuragi discovers his natural athletic talents and a genuine love for the game.
Slam Dunk’s realistic basketball action, character development, and humor make it stand out. Sakuragi’s journey from an inexperienced, brash player to a dedicated team member is filled with comedic missteps and dramatic growth. Slam Dunk is not just a sports manga but a tale of adolescence, friendship, and perseverance.
