From genre-defining titles like Captain Tsubasa to staples such as Prince of Tennis, sports and manga have always been intertwined. But which among the hundreds of releases can be considered the best for fans looking to either discover something new or see their favorite sports represented in their full glory?
Here are the best sports manga for those looking to dive into the medium in 2026. To keep the list as diverse as possible, we will only be including one representative per sport. We will also only be focusing on titles either already available or confirmed to be receiving an official English release in 2026.
Ao Ashi Brings You To The Pitch Like No Other
- By: Yugo Kobayashi
- Status: Completed
- Demographic: Seinen
Following the story of Aoi Ashito, a small province star who, after a fateful meeting with manager Tatsuya Fukuda, is given the chance to fight for his dreams of going pro, Ao Ashi avoids the usual battle shonen style seen in most football (or soccer) manga in favor of a more grounded approach, all while pairing its excellent character development with a deep understanding of what the sport and youth development are all about.
The above results in what I can only call a love letter to both football and the Japanese footballing culture as a whole. In other words, if you are looking for a manga whose moments can just as easily happen in a real match, look no further.
Eyeshield 21 Is The Perfect Entry Point For Football Newcomers
- By: Riichiro Inagaki (Story), Yusuke Murata (Art)
- Status: Completed
- Demographic: Shonen
Signed by the duo of Riichiro Inagaki and Yusuke Murata, Eyeshield 21 follows the story of Sena Kobayakawa, a timid high school student who discovers a new world after joining his high school’s understaffed American Football program as their star running back. Featuring a way more fantastical take when compared to Ao Ashi, you will find the ultimate underdog story and the perfect entry point for those new to the sport here, all paired with Murata’s now legendary pencilwork, whose excellence when displaying motion makes every big play jump off the pages.
Haikyu!! Will Awaken Your Love For Volleyball
- By: Haruichi Furudate
- Status: Completed
- Demographic: Shonen
What I consider to be the middle ground between the above, Haikyu!!‘s deep understanding of what makes volleyball so addicting and entertaining shines through every page as we follow Shoyo Hinata’s journey to take on the court despite his height. Although this might be a slight spoiler, the way the series does not end with his high school years and instead opts to go on a completely different route to shine light on another variant of the sport just segments it as the definitive volleyball story in my book.
Hajime No Ippo Rewards Your Commitment With An Unforgettable Spectacle
- By: George Morikawa
- Status: Ongoing
- Demographic: Shonen
Hajime no Ippo, or Hajime no Ippo: Fighting Spirit!, as it is known in the US, follows the story of Ippo Makunouchi, a talented youngster who takes on the ring to find the answer to a simple question: After all, what does it truly mean to be strong? What follows is an epic that continues to leave its footprints on the scene via its spectacular fight choreography and powerful characters.
Although its age can be seen in both its art and characterization, I believe it would be a crime not to also mention Ashita no Joe (or Ashita no Joe: Fighting for Tomorrow) here, whose ability to transcend the ring makes it a must-read for all boxing fans. Just make sure you are ready, it’s one hell of a gut punch.
Slam Dunk Is the Quintessential Sports Manga, And For Good Reason
- By: Takehiko Inoue
- Status: Completed
- Demographic: Shonen
Considered by many as Takehiko Inoue’s magnum opus, Slam Dunk managed to carve a path and stay relevant years after its conclusion via the weight of its storytelling, which follows known delinquent Hanamichi Sakuragi, who after joining his high school’s basketball team, discovers in the sport more than a way to impress his crush, but a lifepath in which he can pour his whole heart and talents into.
That arc also ties everything together, as Slam Dunk hopes its readers will both come ot lovethe sport and discover their own path together with Sakuragi. Once you finish it, make sure to also give a chance to Real, Inoue’s most recent work, which explores the world of wheelchair basketball in a visceral but beautiful way.
Medalist Brings Figure Skating To The Forefront In A Story That Transends It
- By: Tsurumaikada
- Status: Ongoing
- Demographic: Seinen
Taking place in the world of figure skating, where most competitors begin their sporting journeys at age 5, Medalist follows the story of Inori Yuitsuka, an 11-year-old girl with dreams of taking on the rink but its considered to old to start, and Tsukasa Akeuraji, a former ice-dancer who makes it his goal to both help her fulfill her dream and stop her from repeating his regrets.
Apart from its art style, which manages to both dazzle and send shivers down your spine, the series excels by allowing readers to grow together with both Inori and Tsukasa, all while putting the sport on the center stage in a didactic but never overbearing way. Honestly, even if you never stopped to watch or learn about competitive figure skating, a few chapters will be more than enough to win you over and make you addicted to one of the most unique ongoing sports manga on the market.
