Eyeshield 21

Starting high school is hard enough for Sena, a quiet student used to dodging bullies. When the American football captain Hiruma sees how fast and agile Sena is on the run, he spots a possible answer to the Devil Bats’ troubles. The team has a reputation as a joke among Japan’s high school leagues, and Hiruma hopes a new running back can help change its prospects.

Hiruma hides Sena’s identity from rival recruiters by assigning him the role of team secretary, along with a helmet that shields his face. Under the nickname Eyeshield 21, Sena is set to lead the Devil Bats toward the Christmas Bowl, a tournament for Japan’s top football teams. The central question is whether he can grow from a timid, undersized freshman into a standout player—and whether the team can reach its goal.

The sports action centers on American football, while comedy comes alongside the team’s struggle to be taken seriously. Sena’s secret identity gives the setup a playful twist, and his contrast with Hiruma’s determined plans drives the story’s early appeal. At its heart is the challenge of turning speed and potential into a place on a team, with a major tournament ahead.

Eyeshield 21 is a finished TV series from 2005, with 145 episodes. Start with the opening episode to meet Sena and see how his unexpected talent brings him into the Devil Bats’ plans.

• A shy lead with remarkable speed
• American football at the center
• A secret identity on the team
• A tournament goal with real stakes

A good fit for viewers who enjoy sports stories, football action, comedy, and underdogs finding their place on a team.