Synopsis
Captain Tsubasa follows the heartfelt journey of an elementary school boy whose entire life and ambitions center on his deep passion for soccer. Eleven-year-old Tsubasa Oozora began playing soccer at a very early age; while most of his peers treated it as a simple pastime, for him it gradually turned into an all-consuming pursuit. To give his childhood dreams the best possible chance, Tsubasa relocates with his mother to Nankatsu city, a place famed for its top-tier elementary school soccer programs. Even though he dominated in his previous hometown, Nankatsu presents far tougher competition, and he must rely on every ounce of his skill and natural ability to distinguish himself among these new rivals. Along the way, he meets not only opponents but also new companions, including the charming girl Sanae Nakazawa and the exceptionally talented goalkeeper Genzo Wakabayashi, who shares Tsubasa’s fierce dedication and becomes a valuable ally in advancing toward his goals. Tsubasa’s ultimate aim is to represent Japan in the FIFA World Cup, but reaching that summit demands far more than raw talent alone.
Background
Captain Tsubasa has inspired real footballers such as Hidetoshi Nakata, Fernando Torres and Lionel Messi in their own football dreams. A bronze statue of Tsubasa Oozora was erected in Katsushika, Tokyo in 2013, which is the neighbourhood where the original manga creator lived.
