Captain Tsubasa Memories takes place before the events of the original Captain Tsubasa manga, focusing on the childhood years of protagonist Tsubasa Ozora and filling in the blanks of his past that fans have long wondered about. The story begins by exploring the legendary rivalry between Tsubasa and the天才 goalkeeper Genzo Wakabayashi, revealing the truth behind their first encounter that would ultimately change Japanese soccer forever. Set primarily in various locations across Japan, including the backstreets of Tokyo where Tsubasa lived before moving to Nankatsu City, the narrative delves into his solitary early years when he was a boy who loved soccer but lived in a neighborhood where baseball was far more popular, leaving him isolated and alone at school.

The manga unfolds through a series of interconnected vignettes that reveal surprising new facts about well-known characters. One notable arc examines the birth of Wakabayashi’s iconic nickname SGGK, the Super Great Goalkeeper, showing the early training and determination that forged his legendary abilities. Another significant storyline follows Tsubasa during his blank period in Tokyo, where his worried grandmother bought him baseball equipment in hopes he would fit in with other children, only to see him abandon the sport while tearfully explaining that even if he was alone, soccer was his true passion, a moment that finally convinced her to support his dreams. During this time, Tsubasa befriended a girl named Yayoi who invited him to watch her older brother’s junior high school soccer practice, allowing his grandmother to see him play with friends before she passed away.

The first one-shot story specifically details the morning of the decisive match between Nankatsu Elementary School, where Tsubasa plays, and Shutetsu Elementary School, led by Wakabayashi. On this day, Tsubasa and his Brazilian coach Roberto Hongo share a meal prepared by Tsubasa’s mother before meeting the rest of the Nankatsu team for final morning practice. Meanwhile, Sanae rushes to finish a cheering flag for Tsubasa with help from her mother and grandmother, Wakabayashi trains intensely with his coach Mikami, and a young Taro Misaki arrives in town during his school transfer process, sensing that something exciting is about to happen on the field. Tsubasa even participates in the school athletic competition’s 200-meter and long jump events while dribbling a soccer ball, astonishing spectators with his stamina and skill. The collection concludes with the story of the Ozora family moving to Nankatsu, bringing Tsubasa’s childhood memories full circle and setting the stage for the legendary soccer career that would follow.