Sports animes have always been a great source of fascination for yours truly; whether its the cold hard boxing tactics of Hajime no Ippo, the incredible artwork and story of Ping Pong the Animation, the gut-busting action of Kuroko’s Basketball or the more subtle volleyball aspirations of Haikyuu!!
When it comes to football, the genre is sadly lacking with the exception of Captain Tsubasa. However, with so many shounen animes dominating the platform over the past few decades, it’s only logical that we compare our favourite anime heroes with some of OUR favourite footy superstars.
With the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the summer anime mania kicking off in a few days time, let’s take a look at how our World Cup heroes will line up with their anime counterparts.
GK: David ‘Orochimaru’ De Gea
Who needs a Summoning: Triple Rashōmon when David De Gea stands as the great wall of Espana. #SlitheringSpaniard
RB: Joshua ‘Ippo’ Kimmich
Always the underdog, but the German can pull out his ‘Dempsey Role‘ to beat any defender in the final third.
CB: Sergio ‘One Punch Man’ Ramos
All it takes is one punch!
CB: Mats ‘Naruto’ Hummels
The German maestro protects his defence just like the Hidden Leaf ninja protected his village with his nine tails chakra.
LB: The Brazilian ‘Ash’ Marcelo
He wants to be the very best, Like no one ever was, To catch wingers is his real test, To tackle them is his cause… Marcelo! He’s gotta catch ’em all!
CM: Kevin ‘All Might’ De Bruyne
Have no fear, Kevin De Bruyne is here! PLUS ULTRA!!
CM: Luka ‘Elric’ Modric
A midfield alchemist who can conjure up assists with his Midas touch.
CAM: Lionel ‘Goku’ Messi
His left peg shoots like a Kamehameha while his right foot prepares a spirit bomb. And don’t even get me started on his hair!
RM: Mohamed ‘Natsu’ Salah
The Egyptian dragonslayer breathes more fire up top than any other character in this anime universe. WATCH OUT FOR SALAH AS HE IS GOTTA A REAL FIRE IN HIS BELLY!
LAM: Cristiano ‘Vegeta’ Ronaldo
Forever in Goku’s shadow but a prince of darkness nonetheless. GOD DAMN IT! HIS SWAG LEVEL… IT’S OVER 9000!!
ST: Harry ‘Ichigo’ Kane
One is a soul-reaper and the other is goal-reaper. Who needs a Zangetsu when you can finish like Kane-pachi Zaraki!
Manager: Jochim ‘Master Roshi’ Low
He taught the superstars everything they know. A man not without his vices and also known to have a pervy side.
