Sports anime is not as popular as other genres in anime, but in sports anime, the main character (MC) is often a talented athlete who faces various challenges and opponents on their way to the top. Many sports anime also feature themes of perseverance, teamwork, and personal growth as the MC strives to become the best in their chosen sport.
One common theme in sports anime is the MC being underestimated or overlooked due to various circumstances, such as their age, size, or lack of experience. Here are seven sports anime where the MC is underestimated and must prove themselves through their hard work and determination:
Sports Anime Where MC is Underestimated
Days
“Days” is a soccer anime about a high school team trying to make it to the national championship. The MC, Tsukushi Tsutsukakushi, is a freshman who is initially underestimated by his teammates due to his small stature and lack of experience. However, he eventually proves himself to be a valuable member of the team with his quick thinking and excellent ball handling skills.
Shoot! Goal to the Future
“Shoot! Goal to the Future” is a soccer anime about Hideto Tsuji, a former prodigy who must overcome personal issues and rebuild his skills to help lead the Kakegawa High School team to victory. Along the way, he faces challenges on and off the field, including rival teams and soap opera-like drama. Through hard work and determination, Hideto strives to become a top player once again.
Prince of Stride: Alternative
“Prince of Stride: Alternative” is a sports anime about Nana, Takeru, and Riku’s efforts to revive the stride (Parkour) club at Honan Academy and compete in the End of Summer competition. The team faces challenges and setbacks as they work to improve their skills and compete against other schools. Through hard work and determination, they strive to become the best in their chosen sport and achieve their goals.
Big Windup!
“Big Windup!” is a sports anime about baseball and the challenges faced by the players on the Mihoshi Academy team. The main character, Ren Mihashi, is a pitcher who was constantly bullied and underestimated due to his lack of confidence and small stature.
With the help of his new friend and catcher, Takaya Abe, Ren works to regain his confidence and become a top player. Through hard work and determination, he strives to prove himself and lead the Mihoshi Academy team to victory.
Love All Play
“Love All Play” is a sports anime about badminton and the challenges faced by the players on the Yokohama Minato High School team. The main character, Ryou Mizushima, is a talented but underestimated player who works to improve his skills and become a top player at the school. As he strives to achieve his goals, Ryou faces various challenges and opponents on and off the court.
WAVE!! -Let’s go surfing!!-
“WAVE!! -Let’s go surfing!!-” is a sports anime about surfing and the challenges faced by the main character, Masaki Hinaoka, as he works to improve his skills and become a better surfer. With the help of his classmate, Shou Akitsuki, and his best friend, Nalu Tanaka, Masaki navigates the waves and enters a local competition, facing various challenges and opponents along the way. Through hard work and determination, he strives to improve and embrace the fun and excitement of the surfing world.
Over Drive
“Over Drive” is a sports anime about Mikoto Shinozaki’s journey to become a better cyclist. Initially lacking in self-esteem and social awareness, he is invited to join the school’s bicycle club by Yuki Fukuzawa and begins to learn the fundamentals of cycling.
Through hard work and determination, Mikoto improves his skills and faces various challenges and opponents as he pedals his way through the vast world of cycling. As his life changes in unexpected ways, he discovers a newfound passion for the sport.
