Football is easily at its peak when it comes to popularity. While fans of the sport have more than enough matches to watch on the big screen, what about those who want to fill the shoes of their favorite players? Fortunately, the PS5 has some awesome football-based or themed games to try.
While some games let players control actual iconic athletes, others switch things up. From nameless characters that players create themselves to those based on popular anime, here are some of the best football games on the PS5.
EA Sports FC 26
The EA Sports FC games don’t really need any introduction. While the games were previously referred to as FIFA, that has since changed. Still, the general formula that EA utilizes remains the same. It’s the gold standard for football games on the PS5, offering the biggest collection of licensed clubs, leagues, and competitions.
If you’re someone who has always wanted to experience how it feels to play on teams from the Premier League, La Liga, or any other league, then this is your best bet. From multiple modes that ensure there’s something for everyone to gameplay that feels smarter than ever, EA Sports FC 26 is every football fan’s dream come true.
Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road
Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road may not be too grounded, especially compared to the other entries on this list, but it’s definitely fun. The game blends football with anime storytelling, delivering dramatic matches filled with things that realistic football games could never recreate. This includes dramatic finishing moves, unique characters that you can bond with, and an engaging story mode.
While the gameplay is fun on its own, Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road is definitely enjoyed more if you’re a fan of the anime and game series. Players can relive iconic moments from other Inazuma Eleven media, adding an extra sense of storytelling. While constant 1v1 matchups and finishing moves may not be everyone’s cup of tea, previous fans of the series will definitely love Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road.
UFL
UFL may be a free-to-play game, but it definitely brings a lot of unique things to the table. It aims to compete with the likes of EA Sports FC by offering a fairer online experience. Instead of giving an advantage to those with better players, this game aims to let players put in the time and effort to actually better their team through sheer skill.
Speaking of skill, the overall gameplay is on the same page. UFL prioritizes skill-based matchmaking with responsive controls and realistic movement. Every victory feels earned, and things are even better with the developer’s constant support. New players, exciting modes, and a competitive community help this game thrive on the PS5.
Rematch
It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that Rematch offers one of the freshest takes on the traditional football formula. This game has players control only one player instead of the entire team, making it a complete 5v5 game. Real players are put in a fairly small arena, where communication and teamwork are key for those wanting to win.
The concept of traditional fouls and stoppages doesn’t exist in Rematch. Everything in the game depends entirely on actual skill, including passing, tackling, and even saving goals. Every victory feels earned, even if this game doesn’t have recognizable players or an immersive story mode.
Captain Tsubasa: Rise of New Champions
Captain Tsubasa is one of the most iconic football-themed anime out there, and Rise of New Champions perfectly captures that feeling. The game combines football with the action-packed, over-the-top spectacle that the anime is known for. With powerful shots and acrobatic tackles that’ll be tough for anyone to actually pull off, Captain Tsubasa: Rise of New Champions is the perfect spectacle compared to traditional football games.
Fans of the series will especially love the story mode. It lets players create their own characters and face off against iconic teams from the anime. Every character has different strengths and weaknesses, encouraging experimentation with different teams. While realism isn’t in the cards for this arcade-style football game, fun definitely is.
