Captain Tsubasa: Road to 2002

Tsubasa has risen to stardom while playing in Brazil and is now aiming for a move to Europe. During a high-stakes, must-win match, the roar of the crowd pulls him back through memories of how he began with a ball at his feet. He remembers early coaches, fierce rivals and close friends who shaped his style and spirit, moments that taught him techniques and why he plays. Those flashbacks underline his unchanged hunger for goals and victories, and show how youthful enthusiasm and hard lessons combine in the present. He also recalls defeats that sharpened his resolve. When the referee blows the whistle the match kicks off and Tsubasa sprints toward the ball, carrying years of experience into every play.

Released in 2001, Road to 2002 adapts Yoichi Takahashi's long-running Captain Tsubasa manga into a television anime, continuing the franchise's focus on international youth soccer and following Tsubasa's transition from Brazilian leagues toward European competition, and aired on Japanese television.

The series didn't collect major industry awards, but it won appreciation from longtime fans for staying true to the source material and for its nostalgic tone. That fan support kept interest alive in the franchise, helping justify later releases, compilations and renewed adaptations across various media, with modest mentions abroad.

Captain Tsubasa's imagery and dramatic matches have inspired interest in soccer around the world, and Road to 2002 reinforced that reach by focusing on international play. Coaches, amateur clubs and fan communities still reference signature techniques and standout scenes when talking about anime that influenced real-world sporting enthusiasm and merchandising.

Critics and fans gave the series generally positive marks, reflected in a 7.7/10 average from 278 votes. It centers on ambition, teamwork, rivalry and loyalty, mixing on-field tactics with friendships and nostalgia while setting up Tsubasa's next steps toward European competition. Viewers praise its pacing, though some prefer newer adaptations.