As soccer (futbol) fan,i like this manga, specially because there are many references of international clubs (Ajax, Parma, ect)
Waiting for more chapters...

I first read this manga when I was a little girl of 9 or was it 10 with no interest in soccer. (It was in Malay translation at the time - read all the volumes). Even so I still have no interest in soccer after reading it but that's not the point.

What I'm trying to say here is that this is a good manga!!! C'mon it got a <10 year old girl reading it and liking the characters (e.g nakai, yanagi, shun, akaboshi taka.. hahahahhahaha.. i still remember their nameeessss!!!). There's comedy, friendship, a little hint of romance(veeeery little mostly in omakes) and of course soccer.

I reread it again a few years back and it kept me reading til i finished the whole 14 volumes in 2 - 3 days( i skipped most of the announcement during their games... the announcement were too seriously long! but loved their games). It got me smiling, laughing, worried and relieved all over again. Very good if i say so myself.

I guess the only problem is that... all the main characters are guys.even if there are girls but imo not cute at all!(what do u expect from a soccer manga?) and there is not even a slight hint of shonen ai (or i cant see it? nope.. definitely none) and its a very sport oriented manga(soccer...urmmm.. i dont think soccer fans read a lotta manga... sorry if I'm wrong). ... get what I'm trying to say here? It doesn't appeal to anyone at all... what a waste of good humor and story telling.

If I were to compare and group this manga to something thats read now... maybe nodame cantabille? (no.. nodame has romance in it and music...) or maybe ookiku furikabutte? (no... no shounen ai.. and its not between high schools, they get international bebeee!!! milan!!! fifa(junior division)!!! wooo!!!).

*cough* I can't seem to group this manga to any we have now (well not with what i have read anyways..) So, a definite recommendation.

PS. I'm only talking about this particular season, I've never read the sequels and prequels (though i do feel like searching for it now) coz the starting and ending of this manga was well written that not reading the sequels and prequels wont make you lost (they have flashbacks where necessary.. i think..cant confirm it coz, i said this before, never read the prequels).

Again, very good if I say so myself.

The main character is likable and not wimpy. Even though everything is not going well or his secret weapon doesn't work against enemies (bent pass), he uses it as an advantage rather than being down about it. This is a must read for soccer fans or anyone really. The story is mix with sports and comedy. I can't say much because i only read up to Ch 13 but it's really going to a good direction. The only thing i will say bad about it is the ART. The art is pretty old and kinda dark which is why its not that popular. Just try it and you might like it. I also hope the sequel and prequel will be translated too

... Last updated on July 6th, 2010, 9:34pm