There are many metrics that make a sports anime series worth watching. Tension-filled games, amazing training montages, and a team that constantly supports each other are certainly necessary. However, a pair of players, who complement each other’s personality and play style can make a sports-centric series more enjoyable. Kageyama and Hinata from Haikyu!! and Kagami and Kuroko from Kuroko’s Basketball are some of the best sports anime duos in history. But there are other amazing pairs with a great storyline that deserve more attention.
- Also Read: 5 Best Sports-Related Anime Like Blue Lock
All The Best Sports Anime Duos Have Incredible Chemistry
Whether they are rivals or best friends, every sports anime duo is understandably dramatic. Their friendship usually takes a bad turn before they are able to reconcile again as better people. Not only does this make the story more captivating but also gives these characters more depth. Here are some of the greatest duos whose relationships make the anime better.
5. Tatsuru Miyazumi And Mikoto Shiratori – Ryman’s Club
Unlike your usual high-school or college-centric sports club, the story of Ryman’s Club takes place in an office. Mikoto is a 20-year-old guy who used to be a doubles prodigy in badminton. But due to a traumatic experience, he doesn’t want to play doubles anymore. While working and playing for Sunlight Beverage, he meets Tatsuru, an older player who wants to become his doubles partner. Despite the age gap, their chemistry and friendship are incredible. Tatsuru helps the younger boy gain back his confidence while Mikoto lights a fire inside Tatsuru that keeps him going despite his injury.
4. Langa Hasegawa And Reki Kyan – SK8 the Infinity
The main characters of the popular skateboarding anime are the definition of sweet. Reki, a skating enthusiast, meets Langa, a former snowboarder from Canada, and instantly hits it off. Their friendship takes a sour turn when Reki feels insecure in front of Langa’s insurmountable talent that makes him the center of attention at the underground skating tournament known as S. Fans were overwhelmed with joy when the two of them reconciled and opened their hearts to each other. Reki teaching Langa how to skate is one of the most adorable scenes in the anime.
3. Seishiro Nagi And Reo Mikage – Blue Lock
When it comes to sports anime, very few titles can beat Blue Lock in terms of intensity and drama. The partnership between the protagonist Isagi and his teammate Bachira is certainly great. However, when it comes to backstory and trauma, Nagi and Reo have everyone beat. In the Episode Nagi movie, people saw how Reo picked Nagi up and made him play soccer after discovering his talent. But after coming to Blue Lock, Nagi wanted to play with Isagi as he found him more entertaining, which broke Reo’s heart. In the manga, they have reconciled and started playing for the same thing, and anime watchers can’t wait for this moment to come alive on screen.
2. Tobio Kageyama And Shoyo Hinata – Haikyu!!
If we are talking about rivals to teammates to friends pair, then Hinata and Kageyama have everyone beat. After losing to Kageyama’s team in middle school, Hinata was shocked to find him in the same volleyball club in high school. Even though he scoffs at Hinata’s short stature at first, Kageyama soon realizes that Hinata is one of the few people who can keep up with his sets. With the help of their teammates, the two polar opposites put their differences aside and work together to get their team into the Nationals.
1. Taiga Kagami And Tetsuya Kuroko – Kuroko’s Basketball
Known as the light and the shadow, Kagami and Kuroko redefined sports anime with their incredible partnership. Kagami and Kuroko join the same basketball team in high school and the difference in their skills is very evident. However, Kuroko soon captures Kagami’s eyes with his stealthy passes that help the team startle their opponents. Kagami also learns about Kuroko’s traumatic past with the 5 members of the Generation of Miracles and vows to defeat them one by one and win the championship. Kuroko’s witty quips and Kagami’s devotion to their cause make their relationship extremely enjoyable and deep.
Of course, there are many other duos in sports anime who have captured the hearts of the audience. These characters not only become better players but also help each other become better human beings throughout the story. If you are looking for some good sports-related titles to binge, then here is a list of the top 10 best sports anime of all time that you can bite into right now.
