Despite there not being muchsports-based animeseries, the sports genre is well respected in the anime community. Many viewers are exploring the sports genre thanks to popular shows likeHaikyuu,Kuroko’s Basketball, andSlam Dunk.
Even if they aren’t the best players, the team captains in sports anime tend to get the most screen time. Whether a team is successful or fails, it is mostly due to the efforts of its captains, who serve as the “glue” that holds the squad together. In this way, many captains in sports anime have left lasting marks on their teams and in the hearts of their fans through their selfless leadership and unwavering dedication.
7Seijuro Akashi (Kuroko’s Basketball)
Kuroko’s Basketball’s Seijuro Akashi is the show’s popular and charismatic captain. Akashi, like the show’s main character Kuroko, is a member of the “generation of miracles,” a group of talented basketball players who all met in middle school. One shouldn’t overlook Akashi, despite his small stature. In addition to his exceptional basketball talents, hepossesses a unique skillknown as “Emperor’s Eye.”
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Akashi, with his unique skill, will quickly rise to the top of any squad he joins. His leadership abilities, in contrast to his basketball abilities, are particularly impressive. Akashi has been a tremendous contributor to Rakuzan High’s basketball squad, both as a player and as a leader.
6Tsubasa Ozora (Captain Tsubasa)
To excel as a team captain, one must possess strong leadership qualities. Together with a unique and impressive playing style, that’s enough to launch a career into the stars. InCaptain Tsubasa, Tsubasa Orza is the main character and also the captain of his soccer team.
Tsubasa plays for a number of different soccer teams before making it to the Japanese national team, where he hopes to lead them to the FIFA World Cup final and win the championship for Japan. Tsubasa is a soccer prodigy who has been called “the heaven-sent child of football” for his extraordinary talent. His excellent style of play and steady growth have propelled him and his squad to new heights.
5Tooru Oikawa (Haikyuu!!)
Oikawa’s charisma, elegance, outstanding volleyball playing style, and dedication make him an outstanding captain. He is an effective leader who prioritizes the growth and development of his team without neglecting his own volleyball talents. Despite his charisma, Oikawa is a very dangerous individual. When playing volleyball against his team, opponents respect and fear the force of his serves and the way his team plays the game
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Oikawa is an inspiring leader because he is enthusiastic, upbeat, and committed. He is an experienced player and a driving force for his squad due to his extensive repertoire of skills. Oikawa is a great leader because he never gives up when things become tough and always has his team’s back.
4Haiji Kiyose (Run With The Wind)
InRun With the Wind, Haiji Kiyose, the charismatic leader, is a figure that people can look up to. Haiji, the only remaining member of the track team at Kansai University, uses an unusual method to bring in new members and make sure the club stays alive. After letting a number of the school’s homeless and misfits reside in the dorms, he tells them they can only remain there if they join the track team.
Haiji has faith in his ragtag squad of runners and continues to pursue his goal of winning the Hakone Ekiden, the most difficult and prestigious of the series' marathon sprints. Haiji is devoted to his team, helping them in every way he can with encouragement, getting them in shape, and looking out for their emotional and physical well-being.
3Kunimitsu Tezuka (Prince of Tennis)
Each and every sports captain should take a page out of Kunimitsu Tezuka’s book. In thePrince of Tennisanime, he is the captain of the Seigaku tennis team and is known for being a tough leader. Tezuka is a stickler for order, so he’s always making sure everyone plays by the book. Tezuka spends most of thePrince of Tennisanime series hurt, but that doesn’t stop him from helping his side win when they need it.
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When his team needs his elegant play to win, Tezuka often puts his hurt arm at risk. He is the rock of the team, there to back everyone up and do whatever it takes. He does everything in his power to train and inspire Echizen Ryoma to help him realize his full potential. Tezuka’s teammates appreciate and admire him despite his strict demeanor.
2Kazuya Miyuki (Diamond no Ace)
InDiamond no Ace, Kazuya Miyuki is a dedicated leader on the baseball team at Seidou High School. Whenever adversity hits, Miyuki doesn’t stay sad for long. Instead, he starts making plans for how to handle a similar situation in the future.
Miyuki, in his role as captain, is a rigorous man who does not mince words. When pointing out how his team could have done better, he can have a negative impact on morale. Miyuki often disregards sentiments and feelings when it comes to the team; however, he is still well-liked by his teammates for his reliability and initiative.
1Akagi Takenori (Slam Dunk)
Akagi Takenori is the leader of the Shokoku basketball team inthe iconicSlam Dunkanimeseries. Takenori is a vital cog in the wheel and a selfless team player who routinely makes many sacrifices for the greater good. His team’s chances of winning the National Championship depend on his willingness to play through pain, no matter how severe it is.
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While Takenori does devote a lot of time to basketball, he is also an excellent student, good enough to help his teammates pass tests with his guidance. Takenori is well-known as a dedicated leader who is quite demanding of his team members. He values his elders' approval and always gives his all when playing for his squad.
