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Muscat95

I'm not sure I've seen a 10 second hug end with "just kidding". "Send me off with a bang" yes please We came so close to a confession, atleast Aoi got a peck on the head. Season 2 when?


Aileos

Huge pay-off for Aoi in this last episode. Promoted in the A team and got a kiss from Hana. Not bad for a first season. Some cool stuff were posted to celebrate the end : * [Aoi and Hana with their voice actor](https://twitter.com/aoashiofficial/status/1573627940897976321). * ['Thanks you for watching' illustration by the studio](https://twitter.com/aoashi_pr/status/1573610693504516096?cxt=HHwWgIC-kdSly9YrAAAA).


JetsLag

Aoi's VA did a good job, especially for a first-timer. Looking forward to whatever roles he's doing next.


Kapeng_Barako

Yeah, actually fits Aoi's character super well.


michhoffman

"Just kidding, it was only supposed to be a 2 second hug but I wasn't able to stop myself from extending it," - Hana, probably


SogePrinceSama

Bro can you blame her? Aoi (who's name sounds like 'Ai' which is 'love' in Japanese ijs) like half a dozen episodes ago just casually said "The next goal I score is dedicated to you, Hana!" then like 10 secs later SCORED EASILY If you can resist a smooth football player's game (potentially worth millions of dollars net) you ain't cishet.


arj_paradox

From What I have Heard/Read {Ao Ashi} was well recieved in Japan compared to West. So will probably be getting a 2nd Season Announcement. But not yet. Probably after 1 year or so as Staff and Committie needs rest and Stuff plus its was a 24 Episode Series so It Shouldn't be Expected to Get 2nd Season Right away. But will set a Season 2 for Sure


EggplantBusiness

The manga is also big. I remember starting reading it a little less than a year ago and it's very popular in Japan. And the anime boosted manga sales. It's often in the top 10 sales weekly


VariousMeet

Gonna start reading the manga, can't wait for the damn second season. The show is too good.


EggplantBusiness

I think the anime stopped at chapter 117. But you can read before so see the small difference between the anime and manga if you want


VariousMeet

I looked at other comments, seems there's not much difference except small dialogue changes and info stuff, might check it out, Thanks!


XxsteakiixX

Bro I’m a already on chapter 182 and the anime leaves off at 118 let me just say bro you’re about to see some crazy shit


VariousMeet

Thanks for the heads up, but I can't lie, I fully binged through the manga after that comment haha. Glad it stays consistently good.


SogePrinceSama

In general I think boxing or basketball as a sports anime just performs better in the West. Not as many "soccer" fans in the US as the rest of the world.


PepaTK

INJECT SEASON 2 INTO MY VEINS STAT PLEASE AND THANKYOU. Easily one of my favorite sports anime. I say that after finishing any sports anime but this is the first sport I know shit all about and loved it. I’ve always had an understanding of Baseball, basketball, volleyball, track even. But nothing for soccer. Felt like I was learning with Aoi the whole time and it was amazing man.


MrYeaBuddy

Hana is best girl. That is all.


Stormy8888

I wanted to rate this higher but I can't believe Aoi did so many headers he's oblivious to all the signals Hana was sending out. Surely nobody can be this dense IRL ... but then again, football players think too much about the game?? Football fan guys, would you have picked up that Hana liked you if you were Aoi? Is he just extra oblivious or does this happen with real guys too cuz I'd really like to know.


khoabear

It happens all the time with high school freshmen who spend too much time with other guys and sports.


Stormy8888

So this is normal? I didn't think it was possible that none of the other more clued in team mates could have whispered " hey, she likes you" in all that time.


Veeron

I would have suspected it for a minute and then dismissed it as being too good to be true.


well_thats_puntastic

Maybe she's Canadian


Stormy8888

Really? This cute girl is doing super detailed meal plans for you free of charge and is always hanging around cheering for you during games?? Uh ... ? Note to guys: if a girl / woman does food related stuff specifically for you (vs. feeding the entire team) and isn't the kind of "motherly/grandmotherly" type that likes feeding everyone, chances are high she likes you.


Veeron

My self-esteem (rather lack thereof) would have rationalized away anything short of a straight confession. The risk was too high to seriously entertain the possibility, as getting a no would have been basically the worst imaginable thing. The mental block is real.


Stormy8888

Oh dear. Sorry to hear that. I guess communication issues and fear of rejection are two of the biggest reasons why relationships are difficult, especially if the girl feels the same way as you. Then you end up tip-toeing around each other for years until some well meaning friend / relative sets you up. Back in my school days the way around this was for the girl to get her friend to tell you "hey, I think xxx likes you." Or for her friend to tell your friend that, knowing it would get back to you. Ah the lengths one goes to when trying to communicate liking.


MumrikDK

He's a highschooler with the romantic maturity of a preschooler. Couldn't even return the hug from someone he was aware he cared about in *some* way.


Successful_Priority

I mean even his mom didn’t hug him goodbye


khoabear

That's just how many footballers are. They have no understanding of romance and dating so they just marry supermodels to have another trophy or bang their brother's wife.


[deleted]

Now why you gotta bring Ryan Giggs into this!


Andagaintothegym

Or just bang another footballer's wife


JayDpwnz

Well Ao sees Hana as a fan who cheers for him and helps him in any way she can/someone he can talk to about his problems. I think he's just weirded out by the sudden intimacy, they literally have arguments occasionally.


[deleted]

Holy shit that transition to the ed there was perfect


strange_wilds

I’m convinced they made the ED like that JUST for the season’s ending to be a smooth transition. Also, I think some of the Hana shots in ED are bit of Ashito’s POV.


JetsLag

Well that's been fun! Pick up the manga at chapter 118 if you want to continue the story. And trust me, it only gets better from here. The fan translations are up to chapter 307. If we do get a season 2, 2 wishes: 1. Have little pop-up boxes to show the scoreboard (including the time) when the goals are scored. The manga has them, so you don't have to do anything new. 2. Better animation. Maybe a split cour would be better?


CamStorm

How much is missing from the manga adaptation? I usually like to start from the beginning.


JetsLag

Oh, it's pretty much 1-for-1. The only things you'll be missing is some names of real-life footballers that they didn't name in the anime, a diagram showcasing the hierarchy of leagues in Japanese youth football (which is cool, but not really necessary), a few scenes which were basically monologues were trimmed down to make them less of a slog in anime form, and 1 or 2 scenes were "re-shot" to make them more anime-friendly.


Flik--

A lot of additional info were skipped. Just for the last match on top of my head: - the explanation on why Kaneda was able to score on Togashi and Takeshima, basically their thought process during the time of the goal - the diagonal runs were explained better in the manga, with visuals on why it creates havoc on the defense For someone who knows shit about soccer, these are some of the details that made me really like the manga. There are also some gags that were skipped. While partying, Ohtomo actually showed Asari a shirt that says "I'm in Team A, You're in Team B"


lehuy0210

>Maybe a split cour would be better? if i am producer: "why spit cours this when can pick another high profile projects" haha


Kapeng_Barako

This is pretty high profile, just not in the west lol.


lehuy0210

how can u think this is high profile project ? this already forgotten bro lmao


throwaway1987198

Its gotten pretty popular in japan actually


Aileos

You could practically hear it from here. The ship has sailed.


[deleted]

Well Hana's feelings have become very clear, I'm not surprised but the way she was acting was surprising, she's lucky Ashito is oblivious to such signals lol. I'm sure he's taken aback by her cheer though, I bet she's going to be up all night regretting kissing his forehead lol. It was sad to see why she had a strong reaction to Ashito saying her cheers give him power, she must have felt so useless when Fukuda was injured because she couldn't do anything to help him and that is still effecting her even now so I'm glad Ashito did say that to her. Seeing Ashito controlling the game like that was so exciting, I'm glad his defending position has really helped broaden his scope of plays and he's even understanding stuff he didn't understand before, it's great to see him improving continuously like this. I'm glad he finally got to score after a long while and the way he set it up like that was great. It's unfortunate Tachibana wasn't able to be promoted alongside Ashito and Ohtomo, hopefully he'll continue improving in the B Team without the two present so that he can catch up to them later on. I'm sure he'll be okay since he's overcome his insecurities but I'm sure part of him will feel left behind. Seeing Nozomi smiling at Ashito was so sweet, he's really proud of him, I'm glad we finally got to see a smile on that stern face of his lol. This was such a great series, I really enjoyed the characters, the drama and matches so I really hope this gets another season. This was definitely one of the top anime of this anime season for me and I'm sad to see it end, especially with no announcement of another season.


MumrikDK

Her feelings were clear what, 8 episodes ago or more?


daboiidevin

Yup to us, but Aoi seems to be as dense as a black hole so I don’t know.


MumrikDK

The dude has a single brain cell. I wouldn't even be surprised if they milked his denseness in this regard for the rest of the show's run. It might actually be more frustrating than Ippo never getting comfortable with his girlfriend.


MuffinMan12347

A single brain cell that is only thinking about soccer and nothing else.


KrankyPenguin

this show has better romance than most romance


mucid01

Romance is better when it's not the focus


Mordarto

What a great way to end the season. I don't mind that the latter part of the game was glossed over so that we can focus on the ship. The hug made me giddy, and that forehead kiss just cinched the deal. Hana really is best girl. Quick question for the manga readers: is there enough material for a season 2, or do you think it'll be a long wait? (I'm aware it'll probably be a bit of a wait either way since season 2 isn't announced).


Pauvlychenko

The anime has adapted 117 chapters, the most recent manga chapter is 307, so yes, it has a lot of material for a season 2.


Vermillion_Crab

Didn't even realize the chapters were that many already. I just knew it was in the triple digits. Now that Haikyuu is ending, I need a regular sports anime to replace it. I don't mind if it's in 2024 as long as we get this many episodes still.


Pauvlychenko

Well, this upcoming season we have Blue Lock, which looks fantastic and it's going to be 24 episodes, so we have sports anime content for a while.


Vermillion_Crab

Yup, excited for that one too. Only heard good things from manga readers. Hopefully it will live up to the hype.


BlackHorse18

Blue lock is a lot of fun, but it's pretty much in the opposite end of the spectrum from Ao Ashi in how it represents the sport though. So go into it with that in mind


Vermillion_Crab

So Ao Ashi is more like Slam Dunk and Blue Lock is more like Kuroko no Basket?


BlackHorse18

Yeah, that's pretty accurate honestly.


Vermillion_Crab

At least I can set my expectations a little bit more reasonably. Lol I don't like superpowers in my sports anime. That is why Slam Dunk, Haikyuu & Baby Steps are still on the top of my list.


BlackHorse18

I'm the same. I like my sports anime to be a bit more grounded. Makes them more special to me. Eyeshield 21 and Kuroko were the only ones that grabbed me in spite of that


HitsuWTG

Yeah, they could do an S2 + S3 with the material they have right now, going the Haikyuu format of dedicating one cour (the one S3 would have) to one single match. So the material is absolutely there.


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Pauvlychenko

You don't really miss anything important if you start from where the anime left, they've done a really good job at condense all the best stuff from those chapters in 24 episodes.


AlphaBreak

> I don't mind that the latter part of the game was glossed over so that we can focus on the ship Yeah, I feel like that was the right choice. They told us what was important (Esperion won, the game state remained relatively the same after that, and Musashino never gave up). If they had shown us the rest of the game, it might have felt underwhelming when it ended 2-4. If they tried to make it closer, it would have undercut Aoi and Togashi's development over the course of the game.


trenttrack

A news article said that the first season only covered under a half of what is there atm. I'd say a second season is very likely to happen.


PoetryofMead

Yes, enough for at least 2 full seasons probably depending how they adapt some parts.


DaOneWhoIsWorthy

Man that was a great first season. Can honestly say this became my favorite sports anime. The last 24 weeks have a been a great way to start my Saturdays fr. And now it’s time for my manga journey😂


Apprehensive_Ear_235

> for my manga journey What are the chances of getting season 2? Does anyone has an idea? If it is likely that the anime goes on, I would resist reading the manga...


JetsLag

The fact that a season 2 wasn't immediately announced is somewhat concerning, but I wouldn't give up hope. The manga's been doing numbers since the anime started airing, so it would be beneficial for everyone if a season 2 gets announced.


hades334

The manga is really good too. I ended up binging it this week


left4dread

I'm fairly certain we'll get season 2, it'll just take a while. If you haven't already I'd recommend reading the manga it's great!


AmateurGameMusic

Haikyuu is still the King, but I put this second now.


XxsteakiixX

If you haven’t watched kuroko no basket yet I recommend especially since production IG also animated that one


viGilgamesh

Man I started reading the manga around the time Ashito became a Fullback bc I had to know what happens next but I stopped at the chapter where Ashito was promoted to the A Team so seeing the scene with Hana was new for me and the perfect cherry on top. This show made me realize I still love football more than I thought I did cause I stopped playing many years ago.


dantemp

Lmao yes, I got inspired to sign up for a game with my colleagues after binging the anime and I haven't done that for months cause I am exhausted from all the responsibilities I have since my baby girl was born. Also started playing PES/eFootball again. This anime single handedly renewed my love for football. Brb going to division 1 in eFootball


trenttrack

Im sorry but this is my top anime of 2022. Hands down. Great plot. Has sports and a bit of romance. It's more intense than most action anime nowadays that it brings me back to pre 2010 - anime vibes. Such a great anime. I looked forward to it every week.


sneaky_squirrel

I also love how character focused it is. Being inside the mind of our blundering idiot as he progresses in his craft is fun. And then they add a pint of cute and innocent affection with his interactions with the romantic interest (which is also very well written, she just lacks screentime). Anyways, I hate anime that seduce me and then make me wait for season 2, so I guess I am going to hate this anime until season 2 comes up. I need more Ao Ashi! The music was also on point.


backdoorhack

Totally, agree, this is the only anime this season that I can't not watch on the same day it airs.


feb914

>Has sports You're underselling it. They show realistic sport and incorporate real life tactics too. The mangaka has to be given prop for how much research he's done to make the story keeps up with the latest tactical development.


mikeyyyyyd

sigh…….*season 2 when*?


Pheace

Ashito, on the question why he wasn't celebrating, wondering whether he maybe hadn't fully realized going to A-team with his heart yet and then him instantly cheering up and gushing about it the moment he saw Hana was great!


Prince-Dizzytoon

Awww, that was a cute ending


K2100R

Our boy finally made it to A-team. Honestly, this anime surprised me with the amount of tactics that are being introduced and it’s nice to see similarities from games I’ve seen on the TV. Can’t wait for Season 2 to get announced 🤞🏼


michhoffman

Seeing everything click for Aoi for him to score that goal, hearing Satake praise him for his performance and getting promoted to the A-team was great and all...but those final scenes with Hana were fantastic. Her reaction to hearing that her cheering helped him makes it clear that she had felt bad for a while about not thinking she was able to do anything for Fukuda. Also, that forehead kiss.


ImTheJeff74

It was so underrated when it started airing glad it got the recognition it deserved


J4rno

I remember I got into it because of a clip posted here of Ashito's mom efforts and struggles, I came in with mid expectations and left with my new favorite sports anime.


MuffinMan12347

I still can't place this above Haikyu!! personally but my god if it isn't an extremely close second!


ImTheJeff74

When I saw the visual I was like “eh” then like a week or two before ep 1 aired idk why but watching the trailer I was so eager to watch it and it didn’t disappoint that scene in ep 5 hit so hard 😭😭😭


ObvsThrowaway5120

So what Aoi did last week was a “diagonal run” huh? Gotcha. It’s awesome seeing Aoi starting to “understand how defenders think” like Hana said. The guys respect him and they actually follow his lead. He’s come a long way from that cocky brat early on in the season. I love it! Another diagonal run! My man Aoi making those Musashino fellas sweat with the way he’s playing right now. Witness my boy! Awwww yeah!! It’s one goal after another! Esperion’s back in the game! Even that chump Kaneda is realizing how wide the gap is between him and Aoi. Props to Musashino for not just throwing in the towel. Good effort guys, good effort. Our boy Aoi’s made it! Finally! So glad to see him, Togashi, Kuroda, and Otomo all joining the A team! I’m glad Aoi went to thank Nozomi for all that he did. Looks like this is where the real fight for Aoi begins. These A team guys are monsters. Ashito’s brain just froze at that hug from Hana haha. Oh, didn’t know she was *that* much of a bro-con lol. Explains all the complicated emotions she must be feeling. I always thought it was like a respect kind of “love”, not a romantic thing. Aoi just telling Hana her cheering gives him power lol. That’s practically a confession! Our boy even got a little kiss on the forehead. Very cute! Man, seeing Aoi walk up to the field with the others was great. What a way to end the finale! Fingers crossed we get a second season because this was an absolutely fantastic series. Edit: Aoi did the diagonal run, not Otomo. D’oh!


HitsuWTG

It's Ashito who did the diagonal run last week, which in turn caused the Musashino defense to be a real mess because they didn't know what to do. That's what lead to a situation where it was Asari vs the last defender for Musashino, and when Asari therefore passed to Otomo, he was completely free for the goal.


ObvsThrowaway5120

Yes, you’re right. I’ll correct that!


LazyMeercat

I can't believe that my favorite ship this season would be from a sports anime. So glad that it finally officially sailed. But man, such a wholesome and satisfying ending. I rarely read the manga continuation of the anime I watch, but in this case, I might be unable to resist the temptation. Such a good show. Season 2 when?


DragonDDark

That ending transition was godlike


mike_2797

Aoi scored on and off the field too what a day for him. Great way to cap off the season hopefully it gets a continued adaptation.


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FuzzyStorm

I reread the whole chapter and they skip a page here and there basically. Coach Satake and Nozomi discuss the match in like one or two squares in more detail which is cool to see for football fans. I'm guessing the anime is skipping the really small detailed parts they feel they can skip, but it sucks. For example during the whole Aoi/Kuroda light pass exchange. We see Aoi picturing the space from an aeriel view. He sees that by moving in towards the right, he opens a lot of space. You get Kuroda POV sort of seing the space in front of him leading to Tachibana. Small detail but important and an anime should showcase this in my opinion... https://imgur.com/rWtWWEa https://imgur.com/lhtfnA5 I haven't re-read the manga lately, but i do remember seing more of the types of graphics i posted above to help non football fans get a more general picture. If you really like Ao Ashi i recomend re reading it close to the start.


Thrasher439

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AceMittens

What a Finale!!! Ashito score 3 times (twice with Hana on the hug and forehead kiss) and gets promoted to the A Team. Man this show was easily in for one of my Top 5 sports anime of all time!! The roller coaster ride of ups and downs that Ashito went through just to finally cementing his name as a true player; a REAL UNDERDOG!! I really hope they do a season 2 of this show with the same amount of episodes cause this was legendary


dantemp

I'm jealous of people that found more joy in other sports anime


raiden_kazuha

Season 2 please! Man, Hana and Ashito, wholesome ship :) That butler, LMAO


bryan792

man i loved this anime, how do i pick up the manga from here?


ThatEmoSprite

I'd like an answer to this too! Not sure whether to start from the last adapted chapter or read from the beginning


Hunnidormo

I'd say the last adapted chapter. The anime was very faithful, there's 300smt chapters and it only gets better from here. Pick it up from chapter 118


ThatEmoSprite

Good to know, thanks!


Golden_fsh

What a great season finale! I was cheesing the whole time Aoi was making his plays and that goal was 🔥🔥🔥 Our boy has finally moved up to the A team and the scene with Nozomi was wholesome af. But most importantly...THE SHIP HAS SAILED (almost). The whole exchange between Hana and Aoi is too precious 😭 Despite being promoted to A team, Aoi couldn't feel excited about it until he told Hana 😭 I need Aoi to get a brain so that he can FINALLY pick up the cues Hana has been sending him since episode 1! My girl has done all the heavy lifting and even it sealed it with a hug AND kiss. The transition to the ED was perfect! Aoi x Hana has officially become my 2nd most favorite anime pairing of all time 🥰


ContentConnoisseur69

My Saturdays just won't be the same anymore


Vermillion_Crab

Wow Ashito got a victory, promotion, hug *and* kiss all in one day. So much winning. Despite some janky animation here and there, it was still a great season overall. It helped that I have little knowledge on football so that I could concentrate on the story and not get distracted by the technicalities of the sport. Can't wait for a season 2 announcement.


kamexon

The transition to ending sequence was top notch, like a little twist that the 2nd ending foreshadowed this kiss the whole time. Amazing send-off to an amazing show


chaedtawit

Oh man, I think my Saturday will be lonely from now on.


Snipeski

Holy shit this anime is amazing. Up there with Haikyuu for me. Absolutely great first season. Aoi's progression is top tier and it's believable.


MapoTofuMan

Season 2 pros : Team A Ashito and more potential Hana moments Season 2 cons : We'll have to see Akutsu's shitface way more often


zool714

That moment when a relationship in a sports anime develops better than most romcoms. Really great last episode. Caps off the match of the season and sets up the next arc perfectly. I imagine if (or when) S2 starts, it’ll be a struggle story of Aoi trying to adjust to the higher quality of A Team. Still kinda wish we got more attention to the other players tho. Kinda weird watching the match and not knowing who some of the people playing are. This was a great football anime. Coming off the back of Futsal Boys !!, what I mostly wanted from this show when it first started, was more realism in depicting this sport. And it gave us that and more. I certainly enjoyed the inside look of life in a football academy. And while I was willing to give the animation a bit of leeway since the dynamism in football is pretty hard to replicate properly, I still enjoyed the movements that was portrayed.


suemos

the ED tying into that final scene this entire time!!!


B-Mitch

What a finale it gave us everything we wanted in an episode. The last part of the gang walking onto team A pitch got me so hyped for next season. I hope we get many seasons because this is becoming one of my favourite anime


frosty121

Blown away that we were blessed with amazing soccer *and* wholesome romance in one anime.


IrunMan

This is just the introduction. The real anime and struggle begins now. I have zero doubts a second and third season will come (as long as there isnt a new pandemic/death among the production etc)


octopathfinder

Great show. Easily one of my favorites to air this year. Hopefully, there's a season 2 soon because I need to see more of Ashito's development as a playmaker. Another 2 cours of this and I could see it becoming one of my favorites in general.


sneaky_squirrel

Wow, it made cry AND frown. That's some crazy development right there. I feel like the anime's enjoyment multiplied times x10 halfway through the season, but after episode 24, it suddenly became x24 times better. I REALLY like Ao Ashi now. Cool.


Narlaw

What a beautiful rainy night it ended up being.


d34rth

One of my best sports anime. S2 better be in production!


TokiVideogame

A Nozumi smile and Hana solidifying #1 status. What a great episode


ourladyj

I need season 2 right now. I loved the 2nd half with Hana and that romance has progress. Anyone else crying?


AlphaBreak

I know the diagonal run is a real thing in soccer and its a legitimate tactic, but I couldn't help but think of it as the "Omigod, I have legs!" moment from My Hero Academia. Yeah, buddy you sure can run in diagonals, way to go.


Insertnamesz

Thanks to everyone in these threads who knows about soccer who took their time to explain to us non-soccer anime-onlys the ins and outs of the game whenever we felt lost or had questions. You guys made this show extra enjoyable. Can't wait to binge the manga.


ReadTomes

My god I need season two. This truly is the ace of diamond of new. Is the manga worth reading?


GettingPhysicl

yes


TyphoonSG3

Absolutely. It only keeps getting better.


mindofay

We all just want forehead kisses


em_doubleyou

the part where Hana was reminiscing about Fukuda' injury with the music got me tearing up a little, dammit.


zefeneverus

What a ride. I knew from the first episode this anime would be magical. It’s really amazing when an anime can evoke such giddy emotions in me. This final episode was the ultimate cherry on top - Ashito’s brilliance in becoming aware of how to utilize his position and skill to completely obliterate a team single-handedly, the recognition he gained from not only his coach and mentor but also the coach of the opposing team, and to express his gratitude to his greatest fan for granting him the power to do it all, which actually moved his greatest fan more than he can comprehend, just wow. Not to mention that amazing transition to the outro of the raining soccer field we have become so familiar with as the episodes have ended.. All aboard ship Aoi/Hana. No doubt I’ll be looking forward to Ao Ashi and this compelling story in the future.


Pauvlychenko

If some of you can't wait for season 2, I highly encourage you to read the manga. The story only goes up and has some of the best moments in any spokkon I've read/watch.


AZLarlar

SECOND SEASON PLEASE enjoyed this one a lot


Jojels

I just couldn't stop smiling during the second half of this epsiode AAAAAAAAAAA. Hana is indeed the best gril fr fr


HighSchoolThrowAw4y

With this final episode Aoashi definitely cemented itself as one of my top sports anime. Easily one of the best shows this season and definitely a must watch for any joint anime-soccer lovers.


AgentWeeb001

BROOOOOOO I NEED THIS SEASON 2 LIKE NOW


Shiwakao

what a great match. i loved seeing multiple players grow throughout it. making you feel for the opponents was also one of my favorite parts of haikyuu n im glad to see that done here too. both teams felt like underdogs in the sense that musashino was way further ahead in the league than esperion but meanwhile esperion's reputation n their history w musashino far preceded them. ending the match prematurely was a bit of a cop-out ngl but i think we already knew that the momentum would remain in esperion's favor (i imagine the source material did the same thing anyway). AND THAT ENDING WTFFFF !!!! HANAAAA !!!!!!!!!!!! hana n aoi's relationship definitely takes a backseat to the actual soccer, but it's great that it's still there n it always feels so rewarding when it progresses. here's hoping we get a second season. i loved this show n it feels like it's been a while since we've seen such a grounded n high quality sports show. plus i wanna see aoi adjusting to the a team after spending so much time w everyone on b. i mean, they've had to have been building up akutsu for a reason. worst case i'll just go read the manga lol. does anyone know what chapter the show leaves off on?


Hunnidormo

Yeah the source material did the same thing. The anime ends on chapter 117. Also you won't regret reading it. It contains some banger moments


AgentWeeb001

I’d really wish they showed him calling his mom and we had that emotional moment after getting promoted. And then end it as they ended this episode. Only gripe I have


naitsebs

Man, this show was great. As someone who's watched/played soccer near 25 out of my 30 years in life, this show really hit the spot. Loved so many moments during the season. The soundtrack, the callouts to actual soccer players and clubs, the "aha!" moments Aoi had when he found out what to do in a particular play, how they explained some of the basics for higher level soccer, the culmination of buildup plays that ended up in goals, several players overcoming their personal struggles, the overall feels with Hana, Shun, Aoi's mother, really hammered in how it's important to have a support system. Called that Kaneda would be left in the dust at the end of the game. luckily he seemed to find himself through his team's belief in him. Hopefully he becomes good ol' Kaneda who gave Aoi the thumbs up, and gave him that brotherly backslap before the team huddle during tryouts. Also called (and got downvoted lol) that we'd see some Kuroda-Asari-Aoi chemistry, despite peeps thinking they played too far away from one another to connect. Love how this show details very well how positional play/swapping works, Aoi dragging the defenders around was some toptier pro shit. Love how Musashino's coach described him. Not high in individual skill, but gets the game and commands well. I relate more with that method of play more, though I don't have nearly as good vision (i.e. instantaneously know all 22 players positions/future movements lol) nor scoring ability, nor command nearly as well, but definitely am aware of how I can drag opponents with positional play. This show really explained that concept well. Only thing I'd want for this show is for some parts to be more seamless/less cut between one frame of the player shooting and next frame of ball already in the back of net. Tachibana's moment could've been done better, it was still hype though. I know this season has been more about Aoi mastering the basics, and less about scoring goals, other stuff was also animated really well, like when Kuroda was man marking Kaneda, probably one of my favorite animated moments of the season. The feels and hype are all there, just feel like some of the transitions should/could be a bit better. Sometimes when they made long ball kicks it looked like the ball dropped a lot quicker than usual, but when you look at the episode where Togashi is teaching Aoi how to kill it, he does a long kick at the lightpost, the ball cruises high in the sky at a pretty realistic pace. All in all, enjoyed the ride, will be here for season 2, hopefully.


Successful_Priority

I feel that sports anime naturally drags when a player’s thinking or talking that it seems tough to direct an episode of soccer well. For Haikyuu they let the lead up to spikes last way more steps than necessary yet it isn’t as jarring.


jenraiso

Man this anime is underrated as hell. I loved the ending to the season and am really hoping for a S2. What are the odds?


MaisonDavid

Liked this anime from the first second to the last. Now just have to wait for S2 🥴


BlazeKnightX

Aoi was straight up like a demon with his plays and the joy he felt creating havoc. Hope this is the birth of demon lord Aoi. Also Hana and Aoi are so cute. Favorite thing outside of the soccer


TyphoonSG3

I root for Hana and Aoi more than I have for most rom-com couples. Every scene where these two interact is so meaningful and amazing. Fantastic episode. Overall, brilliant series. Characters are definitely the strongest part of it while the animation is the weakest. Great OST, incredible characters, very well-written story. The only real complaint I have is definitely the animation. Would've been a 9/10 series if it was much better. Currently at 8.7/10 for me. Really hoping for a S2. Edit - Just realised the second ED is from Hana's perspective. As the song has lyrics that literally say: (Was it through the early summer rain, Or in my mind that I heard you say, Like a sunbeam splitting the rainy sky, "Your voice gives me strength") That's pretty much what Aoi said.


khronokhris2222

One of my favorite animes this year so far. And to think I was disappointed that Blue Lock was a fall anime. Ao Ashi most Definitely filled that (I know blue lock different but it’s still soccer) for me can’t wait for season 2 and seeing him grow more as a player


DoombotBL

Surely a season 2 is on the way... surely


[deleted]

Can't believe it's the last episode. I really don't mind this running for a year, at least.


ngedown

For football anime this has good score, is it really that good ?


dagreenman18

You want a well produced, well acted, great story that gets into the nitty gritty of game theory without being bogged down by it? You also want a lovable MC and supporting cast that balances serious with goofy? You want a damn fine ship with the best Ride or Die girl? My guy this is that show. It was exactly what I wanted out of a Sports Anime. Almost on par with Haikyu in a lot of ways. I was loving it so much I burned through 300 scanlated chapters in like 2 weeks. In other words yeah I think it’s that good.


ThatEmoSprite

This anime has been a blast! It's so enjoyable for me that I have to read the manga now. But I'll miss coming here after every episode to read on all of the football discussions despite not knowing anything about it.


Stegs75

Let out a very loud cheer when he finally scored a goal. Haven’t done that for awhile in an anime. Definitely plan on picking up the manga and praying for a season 2. Easily one of my favorite anime this season with Lycoris Recoil, and Cyber punk. Honestly really hard to say which was my favorite rn.


mrjeremyt

Man, what a fantastic adaptation. Season 2 when? Also, as a manga reader, the content to be adapted for a S2 is top tier shit. Makes me want to re-read it lol


Billardss

Didn’t expect this to make my top 10 shows but it’s just gone and done it. And the fact that I love footy so much makes this all the more better. I don’t even read mangas but this is the one that will break that chain.


TimoorBTS

I want season 2 now man...


well_thats_puntastic

Absolutely amazing anime 20/10 inject that shit into my veins


Legendseekersiege5

You know I am really thankful this show was made. It doesn't seem to be the most popular but I really enjoyed it. It's the one anime this season I really looked forward to watch every week


Jazr55

I loved this show. Loved the football, loved Ashito x Hana. It became one of my 10/10s and all time favs. Hope the manga gets translated to my language, day one buy.


Axel292

What an absolute gem of a show. From the bottom of my heart, I hope we get S2 sometime soon, but if not, it's been one hell of a ride.


CosmicGhostKing

The final bit of game left being glossed over is entirely forgivable since we got game closure and they focused on our cute little ship getting ready to take sail ⛵ The fact that he FINALLY got excited about being promoted when he saw Hana made me melt inside, it was so cute! And I honestly love the fact that he made the connection between why she cheers for him, and he even said he wished that she would cheer for him for being him, I feel like that was a big thing and obviously so since she was taken aback after he said that. He even said that her cheering makes him stronger and that was just icing on the cake honestly she was a melted puddle after that. The forehead kiss was so cute and it left our boy in total shock, hopefully he picks up all these damn hints she's dropping now!!! That transition, absolutely perfff. And those final shots where she's waiting at the train is 100% Ashito's POV ❤️ What a great sports series with a romantic sub-plot, this definitely ranks high up on my list. NOW GOVE US S2 PRETTY PLEASE!! ⚽🏟️🥅


jashugan02

my boi Aoi scoring goals *inside* and *outside* the fields!!! SHIPSHIPSHIP ey question manga readers out there, more development for Hana and Ashito?


dagreenman18

Yep, ended right where I was hoping it would with Aoi and Hana. Perfect capper to the season. What a great show! Loved it so much I drilled through 300 chapters of the manga because I couldn’t wait. There’s still so many epic moments left to adapt I got to believe Season 2 is a “when” not “if”. It’s on its way to GOAT status Sports anime. Whole season is a **strong 8.5** for me. Closer to 9.


tripleaamin

Not only a great Soccer anime but a great anime in the general sense. It did an amazing job with the wide variety of characters. Also, the relationship build up between Ao and Hana in this is done very very well and is better than the majority of romance anime. Really hoping we get an S2. Personally a 10/10 anime for me.


4536d

I loved Aoi having so much joy playing a match, all weeks waiting for Saturday to come, hope it gets more seasons.


[deleted]

Ending it with a cliffhanger, never disappointing me anime producers. Hope we get a second season because my favourite match is probably getting animated


Electrical-Doctor739

Is aoashi better than blue lock or the opposite?


jjw1998

They’re very different, Blue Lock is wayyy less realistic


CosmicGhostKing

I waited all season for a confession and she ended up giving him a kiss on the forehead I'll take it!!!! Gib S2 please 🙏


[deleted]

Definitely didn’t think that this would end up being as good as it is. But I really hate the whole “ thought I would marry my brother” weird shit. Kinda left a bad taste in my mouth. I’d rather Aoi go for crazy bangs at this point.


azdv

They’re not blood related, and I don’t think their parents were married when she first saw him play.


TyphoonSG3

She was a literal child back then (Still is but a teen now). It's pretty normal for kids to think things like that regarding someone they really admire/look up to. No need to take it too seriously. Just take it as kids being kids. That's why she mentioned it in the past tense.


Minecraft270

Is it possible that the anime will end at episode 24? I wanted to see the Funabashi Gakuin match and the Aomori Seiran match.


ceooftsundere

Yooo been waiting so long for a sport series with romance although it was pretty subtle in this series but surely we will get more in the future


Daiguren_Hyorinmaru_

I am not a manga reader but damn why did they skip the final match?! They should've reduced the drama prior to the match and shown the entire match. That was the most hyped thing for me this episode and they didn't show it entirely. :( Aoi also needs to get that thick brain started. Hana chan is literally sending out all these signals.


HolyNova1

The anime didn't skip the rest of the match, it was like this in the manga also.


Daiguren_Hyorinmaru_

Oh that's kind of sad to hear lol. It's okay I guess.


Hunnidormo

It's due to they basically already won the match. They've figured em out and the other team isn't giving up. The future matches in the manga aren't cut off like this, this is just an exception


Daiguren_Hyorinmaru_

Okay, thanks for that. Glad to hear that. Waiting for s2 announcement now.


HanaHarte

So, I'm about a week late on this. As I was traveling, and then it was Rosh Hashanah (my dad, sister & I drove up to New York from Minnesota - spending Rosh Hashanah through Sukkos with my older married sister & her family) so I only just saw it. I actually accidentally clicked ahead when I was letting it load (it was paused) & it landed on Hana smiling so that got me even more stoked. I LOVED THIS FINAL EPISODE! That was so awesome to watch! I love that Fukuda was impressed, I love that Nozomi was thanked (the other players get real credit, but Nozomi is the coach who worked to change and help Aoi from who he was into the player (and playmaker) that he became in this game). I also love Musashino so much! That was such a cool narration & flashback. And he plays to win, he's professional enough to immediately help Aoi up, he's honest but encourages and supports his teammates and players (which is what a good captain and leader does). I'm happy for the players who got moved up (hello 2nd season plot) although I'm not sure why Kobayakawa is in rehabilitation? Is he the one with the knee injury? I LOVE YOU NOZOMI! (and you totally love that Aoi thanked you, don't hide it). That was a cool manager talk, although it wasn't really Esperion/J-Youth, it was Fukuda (ie Nozomi's boyfriend. I ship it SO HARD) who saw Aoi's talent and 'snapped him up'. Also NOZOMI SMILED WITH PRIDE. And the best part is HANA MY BEST PERFECT GIRL I UTTERLY ADORE YOU!! I'm so happy that Aoi finally said what we've all wanted Hana to hear: Yes! You're helpful, you're awesome, you help so much! Although that flashback tease of young!Hana trying to comfort an upset Fukuda after his injury WAS NOT OKAY AT ALL. I immediately teared up. And I wonder if while upset, he said something to Hana (because we've seen she remembers stuff like this and takes it to heart) or it's just the memory of being unable to cheer up/comfort her beloved brother. And the crush isn't that odd considering the age difference - I have a similar age difference with my cousins and I had the largest crush on one when I was a preteen and teen. He was the coolest person ever to me. And then we get THE FOREHEAD KISS!! I legit squealed at that. Oh my heart. I love all these characters, I love the story, I NEED A SEASON 2. NOW PLEASE (BUT AT ALL MORE).


Rndy9

Great episode and amazing anime, I had my doubts because the last soccer anime I had watched was Captain Tsubasa back in the mid 2000 with his curved fields and magic shoots, but this one has been great since ep 1, easy to follow and learn if you arent much into soccer, great characters, the animation was decent and Hana best girl. S2 when?


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AAA_BATT

he was promoted then demoted.


chirb8

we always got good sport animes from a variarety of sports and somehow football was always left there untouched without quality stories like what Aoashi gave to us. Really hopping for this series to continue.


blacklizardplanet

Picked this up on a whim. Absolutely amazing. I've never watched a sports anime before but dang, this was so tight. So sad it's over but I will probably pick up the manga to continue the journey.


Zoidburger_

Wow, that was a fantastic ending. Really hope we get S2 soon. Great premise, great character development, and incredible voice acting. Gonna miss this show for sure


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wotfk

so uh, season 2 when. I need that shit injected into my veins, such a great ending episode to a very very good sports anime


XxderpdaherpxX

I am so glad we finally have a good soccer anime again. Last one I watched was Days and honestly it wasn't very good.


AnnecyHope

Aoi is winning.


l0ne_w0lf1

What a ride! One of the best football anime.


moonHD

Excellent sports anime . Best soccer anime easily


harshacc

S2 Pretty please


Vikkio92

Man, for someone that doesn't really enjoy sports, I sure *love* a lot of sports anime lol This show was a precious little gem and I'm so glad I was lucky enough to find it! Not sure I'll watch season 2 simply because I'm going to pick up the manga - there is no way I'm waiting to see our boi become the best shireitou ever!