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I couldn't comprehend football until I watched it with my old man. This occurred on a trip to my parents' house at the peak of the global tournament excitement. Azzurri were in the running, and that carried immense weight to my dad, an immigrant from Abruzzo. Although I perpetually considered the sport dull, his excitement was so contagious that it held my attention to the TV. The code was cracked that day, suddenly understanding all the thrilling nuances the game had to offer and accepting its profound meaning. It was crucial that my father's team claim victory.

It's hard to describe the appeal of sports to those who are indifferent. You need to experience that epiphany where the fog clears for yourself — or, as a minimum, you need the right guide on hand to demystify the confusing mechanics and expose the core essence of the endeavor. Evidence from this year shows that this is something a video game can achieve. The last twelve months gave us three great soccer games that explored the sport in distinctly unique, user-friendly fashions.

The Cultural Touchstone: Despelote

The pivotal piece of that trifecta is Despelote. This narrative experience is a slice-of-life tale set in South America. At first glance, it's a fairly standard tale about a child finding his way in the turn of the millennium and discovering his voice. However, all of this takes place against the canvas of an all-consuming societal happening: The national squad qualified for the global tournament, and it is the paramount thing happening in the protagonist's lives. Football games are on every display TV. They are shown during weddings. It's the only thing anyone can focus on. The sport is everything.

Against this backdrop, we observe the young hero develop. It's not simply about learning where he belongs at a social gathering, but where he belongs within his neighborhood as well. Soccer is fundamental to his identity, and it's via the sport that he uncovers himself as a loyal citizen. No game has gotten closer a digital experience has ever come to allowing me to comprehend my own father and why he was so captivated to the tournament all those years ago.

The Athletic Core: Rematch

While Despelote zooms in on the cultural importance of soccer, two other titles from this year encapsulate the nuances of the game itself in more engaging ways than FIFA-style simulators. Rematch, the newest game from the developers behind Sifu, digs into the raw physicality of soccer. This online experience deconstructs the game by transforming it into a frantic skirmish played between compact squads. It takes inspiration from titles like Rocket League to create an arcade-style battle that's centered on tight teamwork and precise touch.

I was utterly hooked with Rematch for a few weeks this year. It appeared easy during my first few sessions, but with each match I returned to it, I discovered new layers. Instead of just fundamental moves, I learned how to dodge around the other team to sidestep a takeover. I mastered how to let go of the ball to prevent someone from stealing it. I practiced my tricks until I could turn a stylish maneuver into a effective defensive tactic. All these little tricks helped me understand soccer in ways I wouldn't have been able to appreciate as a casual viewer. I emerged with a better appreciation for the vital importance physical mastery plays in the game, recognizing what a athletically impressive pursuit it truly is.

The Tactical Puzzle: Pup Champs

Whereas Rematch showcased the physical aspect of soccer, Pup Champs charmingly demonstrated the strategic side. This recent release from the team behind Golf Peaks, Pup Champs is a turn-based soccer brain-teaser featuring canine athletes. Each puzzle requires you to direct a handful of dogs on a field and guide the ball into a net. Simple enough, but the challenge lies in the fact that each dog has a specific kick pattern, they can only move a set number of squares, and there are obstacles to avoid. Beating a puzzle calls for clever thinking and a masterful understanding of the playing area. You get the impression like you're directing a amateur soccer team, devising the perfect strategies to lead your dogs to victory. It's not a simulation version of the game by any means, but it's a delightful complement to Rematch.

Looking Forward

Naturally, other more games about soccer, naturally. Annual franchises launched right on schedule and beloved management sims made their highly anticipated comeback. Yet, thanks to these standout experiences, I spent 2025 engaging with soccer more than I have in years. Games allowed me to see the sheer athleticism that goes into a game I'll realistically never be skilled at (too much running!) and understand why soccer resonates to millions of people. This represents a promising gaming trend I would love to see continue, with more imaginative interpretations to athletic titles that aim to express the spirit of a sport rather than simulating it exactly. Moreover, a couple of games succeeded in this for various games this year, whether it was the exhilarating cycling adventures of Wheel World or the surreal experience of Skate Story. Whether or not you don't typically enjoy sports, there are increasingly more games out there that are ready to invite you into the fold.