Among many sports anime, I would tag Ao Ashi as a hidden gem. While it hasn’t gained the same level of popularity as giants like Haikyuu!! or Blue Lock, it offers a thoughtful and engaging take on football.
The story follows a high school boy with a strong passion for becoming a striker. One day, he receives an unexpected letter from a top youth football club in Tokyo. However, instead of praise, the coach bluntly calls him a “failed striker.” From there, the story shifts from a typical underdog tale to something deeper—focusing on personal growth and the tactical aspects of football.
I really like the main character, and the supporting characters are also well-developed and organized into the story naturally. The animation is smooth, the sound design is solid, and the art style suits the tone of the anime perfectly.
My overall ratings:
Plot: 10/10
Characters: 10/10
Animation: 9/10
Sound: 9/10
Art: 10/10
Total: 9.6/10