What is this genre all about? Sports anime revolves around a recreational physical activity or skill. In addition they often adhere to certain genre conventions, the emphasis on training and practice in preparation for competition, characters desire for self improvement, and pursuit of a specific goal.
We present you the list of Sports manga you should read right now.
Try our anime quiz: Anime Characters Guessing Quiz/Game
Top 19 Sports manga you should read right now. [2026 List]
- 19. Gyugyeok Oe Hyeoltong Cheonjae
- 18. Blue Lock
- 17. Grappler Baki
- 16. Ao no Hako
- 15. Eyeshield 21
- 14. Sawaranaide Kotesashi-kun
- 13. Haikyuu!!
- 12. Be Blues! Ao ni Nare
- 11. Kokou no Hito
- 10. Fairy Tail
- 9. Ao Ashi
- 8. Pyuu to Fuku! Jaguar
- 7. Major
- 6. Hajime no Ippo
- 5. Naruto Ninden Series
- 4. Real
- 3. JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Part 3: Stardust Crusaders
- 2. Slam Dunk
- 1. Rookies
19. Gyugyeok Oe Hyeoltong Cheonjae
Earth had been invaded by creatures from another dimension, and it has been a few years since peace was restored, thanks to the help of various supernatural humans that revealed themselves during this invasion. Gwangik Yu, our protagonist, was born between two supernatural parents. His father is an immortal while his mother is a transformer with exceptional physical abilities along with the power to transform into beasts. Neither parent, however, is aware of each spouse’s power and both want Gwangik to follow in their footsteps.
The Perfect Hybrid is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: Genius of the Unique Lineage, Extraordinary Descent Genius
18. Blue Lock
After failing to win the World Cup, there's unrest in the Japanese Soccer community. Many of the older patrons of the sport aren't too disturbed by the lack of trophies, but newcomer Anri Teiri is furious – and she's determined to fix what she sees as the problem with Japanese players. To that end she hires maverick trainer Jinpachi Ego, who devises a strange yet rigorous plan: he takes the three hundred best young soccer players in the country, sends them to a state-of-the-art training facility, and whittles them down until he has the absolute best striker in the nation. Yoichi Isagi is one of the boys chosen for the camp. He may be number 299 out of 300, but nothing – and no one – is going to stand in his way of coming out on top.
Blue Lock is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: ブルーロック, Blue Lock
17. Grappler Baki
The story revolves around Baki Hanma and his quest to proclaim himself as the strongest grappler in the world, thus taking the title from his father. Baki also fights to gain the trust of his overly psychotic mother.
Baki the Grappler has finished publishing and it has 371 Chapters. It is also Known as: グラップラー刃牙, Grappler Baki
16. Ao no Hako
Taiki Inomata is on the boys' badminton team at sports powerhouse Eimei Junior and Senior High. He's in love with basketball player Chinatsu Kano, the older girl he trains alongside every morning in the gym. One Spring day, their relationship takes a sharp turn ... And thus begins this brand-new series of love, sports and youth!
Blue Box is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: アオのハコ, Ao no Hako
15. Eyeshield 21
Wimpy Sena Kobayakawa has been running away from bullies all his life. But when the football gear comes on, things change—Sena's speed and uncanny ability to elude big bullies just might give him what it takes to become a great high school football hero! Enjoy all the bone-crushing action and slapstick comedy that this heartwarming coming-of-age story has to offer.
Eyeshield 21 has finished publishing and it has 333 Chapters. It is also Known as: アイシールド21, Eyeshield 21
14. Sawaranaide Kotesashi-kun
Kotesashi Kouyou possesses outstanding skill as a masseur. He aspires to become a sports doctor and wants to get a scholarship in medical school. Starting spring, he attends the high school attached to Seiwa University, a sports powerhouse. Since his family is not wealthy, he has to work as a hostel manager, where he is also allowed to stay, to pay for his school expenses. There he encounters high school girl athletes with various problems. Kotesashi's job is to take care of them physically and mentally and be the hostel manager.
Don't Touch Kotesashi is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: さわらないで小手指くん, Don't Touch Me Kotesashi-kun
13. Haikyuu!!
Ever since he saw the legendary player known as the "Little Giant" compete at the national volleyball finals, Shoyo Hinata has been aiming to be the best volleyball player ever! He decides to join the team at the high school the Little Giant went to-and then surpass him. Who says you need to be tall to play volleyball when you can jump higher than anyone else?
After losing his first and last volleyball match against Tobio Kageyama, "the King of the Court," Shoyo Hinata swears to become his rival after graduating middle school. But what happens when the guy he wants to defeat ends up being his teammate?!
Note: Includes 2 extra chapters.
Haikyu!! has finished publishing and it has 404 Chapters. It is also Known as: ハイキュー!!, Haikyuu!!
12. Be Blues! Ao ni Nare
Ryuu Ichijou, a boy who dreams of joining Japan's national soccer team. Ryuu is called a genius soccer player, and his aspirations seem within his reach, but when he is in elementary school he gets hit by a car while protecting his friend, and must face two years of grueling rehabilitation. Story focuses on Ryuu as he joins high school soccer club and works through the remnants of his injuries to achieve his goal.
has finished publishing and it has 489 Chapters. It is also Known as: BE BLUES!~青になれ~, Be Blues! Ao ni Nare
11. Kokou no Hito
On his first day of transferring to a new high school, a loner named Mori Buntarou, is cajoled by a classmate into climbing the school building. Despite knowing that one misstep could send him spiraling to his death, he moves forward, and upon finally reaching the top, Mori experiences a sense of fulfillment. That feeling, which seems to be telling him, "You're alive!" gives birth to an adrenaline for rock-climbing.
The Climber has finished publishing and it has 170 Chapters. It is also Known as: 孤高の人, Kokou no Hito
10. Fairy Tail
In the mystical realm of Earth Land, magic exists at the core of everyday life for its inhabitants, from transportation to utilities and everything in between. However, even with all its benefits, magic can also be used for great evil; therefore, to prevent dark forces from upsetting the natural order of things, there exists a system of magical guilds in the Kingdom of Fiore. Under the command of their respective guild masters, these guilds are made up of witches and wizards who take on various job requests to earn fame and fortune. One particular guild stands high above the rest in both strength and spirit, and its name is Fairy Tail.
In his quest to find his dragon foster father—Igneel—Natsu Dragneel, a fiery and reckless mage, and his partner Happy run into a young celestial mage by the name of Lucy Heartfilia, who reveals that it's her dream to become a full-fledged wizard and join the Fairy Tail guild. After rescuing her from an abduction attempt, Natsu offers her a home in Fairy Tail. Now a member of the guild, Lucy teams up with Natsu and befriends fellow wizards Gray Fullbuster and Erza "Titania" Scarlet. Together, this motley crew set out on their many adventures, gaining many faithful allies and deadly foes along the way.
Fairy Tail has finished publishing and it has 549 Chapters. It is also Known as: FAIRY TAIL, Fairy Tail
9. Ao Ashi
Ashito Aoi, a third-year middle school student from Ehime, meets Fukuda Tatsuya, a J Youth League coach. Even though he's still rough around the edges, Ashito has such amazing potential that he gets invited by coach Fukuda to participate in his team's tryouts in Tokyo. The story of a boy who will revolutionize Japanese football begins to unfold.
Notes:
- Nominated for the 2017 Manga Taishou Award.
- Winner of the 65th Shogakukan Manga Award for the "Best General Manga" category in 2019.
Ao Ashi has finished publishing and it has 410 Chapters. It is also Known as: アオアシ, Ao Ashi
8. Pyuu to Fuku! Jaguar
Piyohiko has a dream: He wants to be a succesfull guitar-player. Then Jaguar pops up, and forces him to play the 'recorder'. Thus ends Piyohiko's noble dream.
Pyuu to Fuku! Jaguar has finished publishing and it has 435 Chapters. It is also Known as: ピューと吹く! ジャガー, Blow that Flute! Jaguar, Poo, Poh, Pou
7. Major
The story of Major follows the life of Goro Honda, from kindergarten to being a professional baseball player, seeking and overcoming tremendous challenges.
Major has finished publishing and it has 747 Chapters. It is also Known as: MAJOR, Major
6. Hajime no Ippo
Makunouchi Ippo has been bullied his entire life. Constantly running errands and being beaten up by his classmates, Ippo has always dreamed of changing himself, but never has the passion to act upon it. One day, in the midst of yet another bullying, Ippo is saved by Takamura Mamoru, who happens to be a boxer. Ippo faints from his injuries and is brought to Takamura boxing gym to recover. As he regains consciousness, he is awed and amazed at his new surroundings in the gym, though lacks confidence to attempt anything. Takamura places a photo of Ippo’s classmate on a punching bag and forces him to punch it. It is only then that Ippo feels something stir inside him and eventually asks Takamura to train him in boxing. Thinking that Ippo does not have what it takes, Takamura gives him a task deemed impossible and gives him a one week time limit. With a sudden desire to get stronger, for himself and his hard working mother, Ippo trains relentlessly to accomplish the task within the time limit. Thus Ippo’s journey to the top of the boxing world begins.
Hajime no Ippo is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: はじめの一歩, The Fighting!, Fighting Spirit, The Fighting! Ippo, Hajime no Ippo Gaiden: Naniwa Tiger
5. Naruto Ninden Series
A whole village has suddenly disappeared and in its place, there is the mountain Hyatsuki. Can the story of the "Jutsu of the moving mountains" really be true? And where is Narutos old rival Renge? Naruto's job is it to find the answers to all these questions.
Note: The novel is presented as if it were written by Jiraiya.
Naruto Ninden Series has finished publishing and it has 5 Chapters. It is also Known as: NARUTO -ナルト- 忍伝シリーズ, Tale of the Utterly Gutsy Shinobi, Naruto Dokonjou Ninden, Naruto Dojunjou Ninden, The Tale of the Utterly Purehearted Shinobi
4. Real
A motorcycle accident, bone cancer, a speeding truck crashing into a boy on a stolen bicycle—tragic life-changing events turn the worlds of three young men upside down. These three very different personalities have only one thing in common—their passion for basketball.
Note: Won an Excellence Prize for manga at the 2001 Japan Media Arts Festival.
Real is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: リアル, Real
3. JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Part 3: Stardust Crusaders
In a Japanese jail sits 17-year-old Jotaro Kujo: punk, fighter, delinquent...and possessed by a force beyond his control! Around the world, evil spirits are awakening: "Stands," monstrous invisible creatures which give their bearers incredible powers. To save his mother's life, Jotaro must tame his dark forces and travel around the world to Cairo, Egypt, where a hundred-year-old vampire thirsts for the blood of his family. But the road is long, and an army of evil Stand Users waits to kill JoJo and his friends...
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Part 3: Stardust Crusaders has finished publishing and it has 152 Chapters. It is also Known as: JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken Part 3: Stardust Crusaders, ジョジョの奇妙な冒険 スターダストクルセイダース, Kuujou Joutarou: Mirai e no Isan
2. Slam Dunk
Winning isn't everything in the game of basketball, but who wants to come in second? It takes dedication and discipline to be the best, and the Shohoku High hoops team wants to be just that. They have one last year to make their captain's dream of reaching the finals come true--will they do it? Takehiko Inoue's legendary beloved basketball manga is finally here and the tale of a lifetime is in your hands.
Hanamichi Sakuragi's got no game with girls--none at all! It doesn't help that he's known for throwing down at a moment's notice and always coming out on top. A hopeless bruiser, he's been rejected by 50 girls in a row! All that changes when he meets the girl of his dreams, Haruko, and she's actually not afraid of him! When she introduces him to the game of basketball, his life is changed forever...
Included one-shot:
Volume 31: Slam Dunk: 10 Days After
Slam Dunk has finished publishing and it has 276 Chapters. It is also Known as: SLAM DUNK, Slam Dunk
1. Rookies
Professor Kawato is the new japanese teacher in the ill-famed Futagotamaga high shool, whose baseball club is composed by thugs and bullies who have been suspended for a year from all school competitions for causing a brawl during an official match. Now that the supension is over, the only club's members left are interested only in women, smoking and doing nothing until, under professor Kawato guidance, they discover a new dream called Koshien. The road to Koshien is far from easy, as they have to get back in shape, to learn how to play baseball and to win everyone else mistrust, including the principal's and other professor's one, with only a few months available. Sweating and fighting, the baseball club will find his determination and strenght, as they proceed towards their dreams, while Kawato's enthusiastic and non-conventional ways slowly change the attitude of everyone near them.
Rookies has finished publishing and it has 233 Chapters. It is also Known as: ROOKIES, Rookies
