Captain Tsubasa: Road to 2002

Tsubasa, a successful soccer player in Brazil, reflects on his early passion for the sport. After moving to Nankatsu, he plays a key role in a surprising victory against their rival Syutetsu, impressing everyone with his skill. A mysterious traveling man, captivated by Tsubasa's performance, soon appears.

Roberto Hongo, a former Brazilian soccer player who lost his career due to an eye injury, visits Japan through his friendship with Tsubasa's father, a ship captain. Impressed by his skills, the Nankatsu team invites him to coach, starting with the lesson of bonding with the ball. They are amazed when he demonstrates his signature overhead kick.

The annual Nankatsu City Soccer Tournament begins, with Tsubasa's Nankatsu Elementary School facing Wakabayashi's Syutetsu Elementary in the final. Nankatsu dominates the first half with strong defense, but Syutetsu regains momentum after Wakabayashi scores a long shot in the second. Just as Nankatsu struggles with an injury and near defeat, a mysterious boy arrives at their bench.

Nankatsu City assembles a team for the boys' national soccer championship, but the players initially struggle to work together. Kojiro Hyuga, captain of the strong Saitama team Meiwa FC, joins practice and challenges the team with his powerful shooting, testing their abilities. Encouraged by Misaki's insights about Hyuga and Meiwa's success, Tsubasa and the Nankatsu players grow more determined for the competition.

Nankatsu FC, a combined team from Nankatsu and Syutetsu, competes in their first regional match in Shizuoka. Initially resistant to cooperating with their Nankatsu teammates, Syutetsu players Kisugi, Izawa, and Taki refuse to pass to them until ordered by Genzo. As they begin to play through Tsubasa, the team's cohesion improves, allowing them to break through the defense and advance to the final.

The National Soccer Championship opens with Nankatsu FC's first match against Meiwa FC, led by the formidable Hyuga. With Genzo sidelined due to injury, Hyuga confidently asserts his team's superiority and dominates the game with his aggressive style. Despite Tsubasa's efforts to contain him, Hyuga manages to score.

Nankatsu, after losing their opening match but winning the rest, faces Musashi FC in the semi-finals, led by star player Jun Misugi. As Jun dominates the game, his assistant Yayoi grows increasingly concerned. During a tense moment, Tsubasa and Jun clash for the ball, resulting in Tsubasa accidentally elbowing Jun.

Tsubasa learns of Jun's heart condition and becomes distracted, struggling to focus on the game due to his concern for Misugi. After realizing Jun wants him to play his best despite his own health struggles, Tsubasa regains his composure and starts playing with renewed determination.

The national boys' soccer championship final begins between Meiwa and Nankatsu, featuring key rivalries including that between Hyuga and Tsubasa. Both teams also have goalkeepers with the surname Waka—Nankatsu's returning star Genzo Wakabayashi and Meiwa's new goalkeeper Ken Wakashimazu. The match is intense, with both goalkeepers playing crucial roles, leading the game into overtime.

The national soccer championship final between Nankatsu and Meiwa enters overtime as both teams push through exhaustion and injuries. Tsubasa and Hyuga give their all, but the game remains tied until the final moments, when Tsubasa attempts an overhead shot in a desperate bid to score.

Tsubasa celebrates winning the national soccer championship, but his joy is tempered when Toho School's scout Matsumoto arrives with an offer. He is surprised to learn that Hyuga will join Toho, while Taro and Genzo are leaving for France and Germany, respectively. Feeling lonely, Tsubasa receives a new soccer technique from Roberto, who hints it will be important in the future before departing the next day.

Tsubasa plays his final game for the Brancos in Brazil, reflecting on his childhood soccer experiences, including meeting Ishizaki, challenging Genzo, forming a partnership with Taro, competing against rivals like Hyuga, Jun, and Ken in the Boy's National Championship, and saying goodbye to Roberto. As he continues to grow as a player, Tsubasa feels a deep connection to his former rivals and friends through the sport.

Tsubasa's Nankatsu Junior High soccer team aims for a third consecutive national championship, while Hyuga's Toho team, having lost to them for two years, struggles with internal conflict between player Hyuga's ambitions and coach Kitazume's approach. The situation shifts when Hyuga's former coach, Kira, returns to offer guidance.

The Tsubasa Shidai team begins their final junior high school soccer championship, with Tsubasa concerned about Hyuga not playing for Toho. Nankatsu faces their first challenge against the physically strong team Hirado Junior High from Jito, where Jito aggressively targets Tsubasa with a powerful defensive strategy.

Tsubasa injures his shoulder in the championship's opening game but still plays in the semi-final. Nankatsu faces a strong Furano team led by determined captain Matsuyama, who aims to break the curse that northern teams cannot win the title. Furano emphasizes teamwork over individual talent and wears bandannas designed by assistant Yoshiko, with Matsuyama's including a special message.

Tsubasa's shoulder injury worsens following the semi-final match against Furano, prompting his doctor to advise him against playing in the final. Genzo, visiting from his team which is in Japan for a training game, takes Tsubasa to see the renowned sports medicine specialist Dr. Stein. Tsubasa also gains insight into the high caliber of Genzo's team.

Dr. Stein allows Tsubasa to participate in half of the final match. Hyuga, a player from Toho, challenges his coach Kitazume, and after bowing with his teammates in apology, is chosen as a starter. On the day of the final game, Hyuga arrives at the field only to find that Tsubasa is missing.

At halftime, Toho leads Nankatsu 3-0 in the championship final. Tsubasa enters the second half and motivates his teammates, though Hyuga remains composed. Despite a late comeback by Nankatsu, including three goals by Tsubasa, Toho scores again, forcing the game into overtime after Tsubasa scores with time nearly expired.

Tsubasa makes a game-tying shot in the final moments of the second half against Toho but collapses due to shoulder pain. After waking in a doctor's office and being warned against playing, he decides to continue in overtime, impressing Huega with his determination. Both teams push hard as the clock winds down.

Tsubasa, a talented junior high school soccer player who performed well in the national championship and was selected for the Japan junior youth team, is unable to attend the training camp due to a shoulder injury. While he watches his rivals, including Hyuga, train and improve, he hopes to rejoin the team. However, when the list of players heading to France is announced, Tsubasa's name is not included.

The Japan junior youth team faces Wakabayashi's FC Gurenbald in their first test match in Europe, struggling to break through as Genzo, now an accomplished goalkeeper, dominates the net. Schneider scores a hat trick in the first half, further dampening Japan's morale. Despite Tsubasa's return from injury and the team's excitement, Coach Mikami rules him ineligible for the game.

After Italy withdraws from a match against Japan following Japan's loss to Gurenbald, Tsubasa takes the rejection personally and challenges the Italian team to a one-on-one dribble, scoring with a powerful drive shot, demonstrating his full recovery from injury. In Japan's subsequent game, Tsubasa returns to the field wearing the number 10 jersey.

Katagiri visits Taro, who has been living in Paris with his father since leaving Nankatsu, and offers him a chance to join the Japan team. After discussing his concerns with Tsubasa, Taro decides to accept the offer. The reunited Golden Duo joins the Japan team as they participate in the opening ceremony of the International Junior Youth Tournament.

Japan faces Italy in their opening match of the International Junior Youth tournament, struggling against the strong Italian goalkeeper, Hernandez, who scores a goal. Taro enters as a substitute and helps Japan tie the game through a key play with Tsubasa. As Italy adjusts its defense under Hernandez's leadership, the match remains tied until the final moments when Tsubasa's shot is stopped by Hernandez, leaving Hyuga to rush in for the ball.

Japan faces Argentina in a crucial match to advance to the final round. Argentina's star player, Diaz, dominates with three goals, but Tsubasa manages to contain him. As Tsubasa reorganizes the team and scores incrementally, Diaz grows more aggressive, focusing his efforts on Tsubasa in a personal battle.

Japan takes an early lead against France in the semi-final, but French midfielder Pierre equalizes with a skillful break through Japan's defense. Soda receives a yellow card for a scuffle and is later sent off after a second caution when his elbow strikes Napoleon's face. Pierre continues to dominate play, setting up Napoleon for France's goal.

Tsubasa receives a yellow card after protesting Soda's, and Japan struggles to recover against France with a numerical disadvantage. The referee favors France, disallowing Japan's goals and awarding them a penalty, leading to further frustration for the Japanese team. In the locker room, Tsubasa recalls advice from Roberto to help him regain focus.

With Soda out of the match, Japan is forced to play with 10 players, and Wakashimazu suffers an arm injury. Despite occasional efforts, Japan struggles offensively, leading the game to a penalty tie-breaker. Hyuga, Matsuyama, Taro, and Jun score for Japan, while Ken saves France's fifth kick, setting up Tsubasa as Japan's final kicker.

Japan advances to the International Junior Youth final by defeating France, with Genzo stepping in as goalkeeper due to Ken's injury. Their opponents are Germany, led by a mysterious goalkeeper named Dieter Müller. Early in the match, Tsubasa, Nitta, Izawa, and Hyuga attempt shots, but Müller successfully stops them all.

During halftime of the Japan vs. Germany match, Japan trails by one goal. Tsubasa receives a message from Roberto through Katagiri, prompting him to recall advice from a specific page in Roberto's soccer notebook. As he remembers the instructions on page 52, he regains his strength and unexpectedly spots Roberto at the stadium.

Hyuga receives a pass from Tsubasa and scores with a powerful shot, giving Japan the lead. Germany responds with a goal from Kaltz and Schneider, tying the game and dampening Japan's spirits. Tsubasa inspires his team, showcasing his leadership before a collision with Kaltz leaves him injured on the field.

Tsubasa secures his third junior high school championship and travels to Brazil to join Roberto's FC Brancos. During a tryout, he faces competition from Pepe, who resents Tsubasa's privileged background and new shoes. As Pepe dreams of a better life through soccer, the test begins.

Tsubasa joins the Brancos and becomes a key player on the top team, facing off against Carlos Santana in a match. He scores early, expressing his bond with the ball, which frustrates Santana. In response, Santana demonstrates his precise control and scores, impressing Tsubasa with his skill, though Tsubasa remains unconvinced by his style.

Santana reflects on his difficult past while playing in a Brancos versus Domingo match. He recalls being a passionate young soccer player who lost his grandparents, his only family, in an accident. A wealthy man named Barla, recognizing his talent, manipulated Santana into joining his team by exploiting his vulnerability and reminding him of his lonely circumstances.

Santana, a cyborg dedicated solely to soccer, begins to lose his mechanical precision during a crucial match against Tsubasa. As his childhood friend Leo watches, he hopes Tsubasa can reach the emotional side of Santana that has long been buried. In the final moments of the game, both players race for a loose ball.

Tsubasa Oozora departs Brazil to pursue a move to a European football team, while Shuuya Hyuga announces his transfer to F.C. Piemonte in Italy. During his journey, Tsubasa visits Catalunya F.C. in Spain, tours their stadium, and decides to join the club.

Hyuga travels to Italy to train at F.C. Piemonte's home stadium, vowing to become the top scorer as he competes against Dutch national team player Willem during individual practice ahead of a training camp.

Tsubasa, Genzo, Hyuga, and Taro receive offers to join the Japan national team for a training match against Holland. They learn that all other candidates are members of the world junior youth champion team, but they also hear a rumor that Holland is unhappy with Japan's choice of young players.

The Japan national team prepares for an upcoming match against Holland, with new player Shingo Aoi joining as a second goalkeeper to Genzo. Ken initially feels replaced but later learns from Katagiri about Aoi's determination, including his decision to go to Italy on his own after junior high school.

Japan faces Holland in a test match, with Tsubasa and Hyuga spearheading the attack, but they struggle against a strong Dutch defense. Holland takes control of the game, outplaying Japan and scoring, though Genzo makes a key save to prevent an earlier goal.

Japan, trailing against Holland after a first-half goal, makes tactical changes by substituting in Jun to strengthen defense and support attack in the second half. Despite multiple attempts, Japan struggles to break through Holland's strong defense, leading to the substitution of Aoi in an effort to create more momentum.

Following the Japan national team's match against Holland, the players return to their respective club teams to prepare for upcoming international cup games. Hyuga travels to Okinawa and Tsubasa to Hawaii for training, reflecting on the high level of competition they experienced.

Tsubasa returns to Spain to join the training camp of F.C. Catalunya, where he faces a humiliating defeat in a one-on-one match against Rivaul on his first day. Meanwhile, in Italy, F.C. Piemonte's physical coach, Mazzantini, criticizes Hyuga for his poor physical balance, calling him a failed soccer player.

During the second day of F.C. Catalunya's training camp, the coach organizes a practice match. Tsubasa, still recovering from being knocked down by Rivaul the previous day, faces him again in a B team game featuring two top players. Despite being taken down, Tsubasa continues to push forward and challenge.

Tsubasa is tested in various positions by his coach at Catalunya's A team and succeeds in each role. Meanwhile, in Piemonte, Hyuga earns respect from his teammates for his strong shooting ability and is set to debut as a starter. Tsubasa's coach then delivers a surprising announcement.

Tsubasa is instructed by his coach to join Catalunya B in the second division rather than the first-team squad, causing surprise among his former teammates worldwide. Hyuga suggests he move to Italy, but Tsubasa declines, vowing not to run from his challenges. He runs through Barcelona to cope with the disappointment, finding renewed determination while gazing over the city from a hill.

Hyuga starts in Piemonte's opening Italian league match against A.C. Emilia, showing skill by breaking through the defense before losing balance. He assists teammate Franchesco to score the first goal, earning praise from fans, though the play ends with a referee's whistle.

Hyuga makes his debut in the Italian League but struggles against strong defensive pressure, failing to take a shot before being substituted in the 31st minute to his visible distress. Vowing to improve his physical abilities, he resolves to become a regular player, while Tsubasa plays with renewed determination in a Spanish Division Two match.

Eduard, the coach of Catalunya, challenges Tsubasa to achieve 10 goals and 10 assists in a single season of Division Two, prompting Tsubasa to attempt the feat in his debut match, where he scores 6 goals and provides 4 assists. Hyuga in Italy and Wakabayashi in Germany support Tsubasa, driven by their shared friendship and goal of helping the Japan national team win the International Cup.

In a German League match between champion Gruenbald and Schneider's team Routburg, Genzo and Kaltz help Gruenbald take an early lead, but Routburg equalizes through effective passing. Tensions rise as former teammates Genzo, Kaltz, and Schneider clash, leading to Kaltz's ejection after a confrontation with Schneider. In injury time, Genzo attempts a free kick to tie the game but misses, allowing Schneider to score the winning goal.

Tsubasa fulfills Coach Eduard's challenge by scoring 10 goals and providing 10 assists while playing for Catalunya B, earning a promotion to the first team. Meanwhile, Tsubasa's former Brazilian rival, Santana, joins San Jose, Catalunya's league opponent. During the match against San Jose, Rivaul sustains an injury, prompting Tsubasa to enter the game and face Santana directly.

Rivaul's injury gives Tsubasa his first opportunity to play for Catalunya's top team, where he scores a crucial tying goal against an impressive opponent, Santana. Hyuga also sees action in the final minutes and scores the winning goal, while Genzo makes a key save against his rival Schneider in the German League. The Japanese team then reunites in Japan to begin their journey in the International Cup.