The world of football anime has just received a major boost as Ao Ashi, the critically acclaimed adaptation of Yuu Kobayashi’s manga, confirmed its second season will debut in 2026. The announcement, accompanied by a striking new commemorative visual, signals the continuation of Ashito Aoi’s journey—a story that has captivated fans since its debut in 2015.
While the first season, produced by Production IG, set a high bar for realism and emotional depth, the shift to TMS Entertainment for the second season has sparked both excitement and cautious optimism among fans. Can TMS match the first season’s brilliance?
, It’s a big question, but the stakes are high.
A New Season, A New Studio: The Countdown to 2026 Begins
From Manga to Screen: A Legacy in Motion
Ao Ashi began its manga run in , Weekly Big Comic Spirits, quickly becoming a cornerstone of modern sports storytelling. Now nearing its conclusion, the series has spent nearly a decade chronicling Ashito Aoi’s rise from a fiery but flawed high school footballer to a professional prospect.
The anime adaptation, launched in spring , brought the manga’s visceral blend of sports drama and personal growth to life. With 24 episodes, the first season balanced technical precision in football scenes with the protagonist’s internal struggles, earning praise for its authenticity.
The Studio Shift: A Test of Creativity and Craft
The decision to entrust TMS Entertainment with the second season has raised eyebrows. Production IG’s work on the first season was lauded for its dynamic action sequences and meticulous attention to detail, but TMS, known for titles like DARLING in the FRANXX, brings a different aesthetic.
Meanwhile, industry insiders suggest the change may reflect a broader trend of studios diversifying their portfolios. The anime market is evolving.
says producer Masaru Kondo. New studios bring fresh perspectives, but the challenge is maintaining the core spirit of the original.
The Road Ahead: A Final Stretch for the Manga
As Ao Ashi approaches its manga finale, the stakes for both the story and its adaptation are higher than ever. The series has already explored themes of ambition, failure, and redemption, with Ashito Aoi’s journey mirroring the struggles of real athletes.
The second season promises to deliver the climactic resolution fans have waited for, while also expanding the narrative’s emotional depth. I hope the anime captures that intensity.
With the new season’s release date set for , the global football and anime communities are already gearing up for what promises to be a defining moment in the genre.
Conclusion: A Legacy in Motion
Ao Ashi has proven that sports anime can transcend entertainment to become a mirror for real-life struggles and triumphs. As TMS Entertainment steps into the spotlight, the world watches closely. Whether the second season will match the first in brilliance remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the story of Ashito Aoi—and the dreams he represents—will continue to inspire.
For fans, the journey is far from over. is not just a year; it’s a new beginning.
