Oliver Tsubasa, known as Tsubasa Ozora in Japanese media, serves as the central character of the Captain Tsubasa franchise. Originating in Tokyo, his early devotion to football set him apart from peers favoring baseball. A pivotal truck accident during infancy saw his football miraculously cushion the impact, forging an even deeper bond with the sport. To nurture his athletic talent, his family relocated to Nankatsu City in Shizuoka Prefecture. There, he enrolled at Nankatsu Elementary School, bypassing football-focused Shutetsu after an initial encounter with rival goalkeeper Genzo Wakabayashi.
His technical skills accelerated under Roberto Hongo, a former Brazilian national player connected to his family. Roberto imparted foundational techniques like the Overhead Kick and inspired Tsubasa's signature Drive Shoot—a powerful strike with a distinctive topspin trajectory. Later, Roberto also taught him the advanced Skywing Shoot. Tsubasa's adaptability enabled him to replicate opponents' techniques, refining them into his own arsenal. On-field partnerships proved critical, especially the "Golden Combi" synergy developed with midfielder Taro Misaki during elementary tournaments.
Competitively, Tsubasa led Nankatsu to multiple national championships across elementary and middle school levels. His resilience faced tests through injuries, including a dislocated shoulder and leg damage during critical matches, yet he continued playing with unwavering determination. Post-middle school, he pursued professional training in Brazil, joining São Paulo FC's youth team and later its senior squad, achieving three consecutive Brazilian championship victories.
His career progressed to Europe upon signing with FC Barcelona. Initial integration difficulties led to assignment to the reserve team (Barcelona B), where he recorded 12 goals and 11 assists, earning promotion to the main squad. In Barcelona, he encountered elite rivals like Natureza—a prodigy also trained by Roberto—and received guidance from veteran player Rivaul. His inaugural match against Real Madrid showcased his growth, though Rivaul's return from injury proved crucial to securing the outcome.
Internationally, Tsubasa captained Japan across multiple age groups. He led the U-15 team to victory in the Junior Youth World Cup in France and later the U-20 team to triumph in the World Youth Championship, defeating Brazil in the finals. During this period, he proposed to his longtime supporter, Sanae Nakazawa, and they married afterward.
Personality-wise, Tsubasa embodies idealism and perseverance, famously stating, "The ball is my friend." His leadership often transforms rivals into allies, exemplified by relationships with Wakabayashi, Kojiro Hyuga, and Natureza. While initially oblivious to Sanae's affection, their romance culminated in marriage, resulting in two sons. His familial connections include a father working as a ship captain—often absent—and a younger brother born after Tsubasa left Japan.
Statistically, his career reflects exceptional consistency. Across all recorded matches for club and country, his teams achieved an 88.89% win rate, with Tsubasa contributing 58 goals in 27 national tournament appearances. His physical progression saw him grow from 145 cm in elementary school to 175 cm as a professional.