The 15 best football games in 2025

So, what are the best football games? Which ones make you cheer so much that you throw your beer in the air? It's crucial to know, and that's why we put on our boots, took to the pitch, all just to discover what the crowd-pleasing soccer games are on portable platforms - sure, we came across some that are okay substitutes, and others that deserve red cards, but they can stay on the sidelines.

However, if football isn't the physical activity of your choice, perhaps our lists of the best basketball games, golf games, hockey games, baseball games, wrestling games, and tennis games can score some more points with you.

Here are our picks for the best football games:

FIFA series

Portable platforms: Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS

Given FIFA is the Call of Duty of the soccer world, I'm just going to suggest the entire FIFA series, especially since few changes are made with each release - seriously, if you want to see a huge difference besides players being on different teams, maybe only buy it brand new every three years or so.

Still, it's arguably the most popular soccer game in the world, and with good reason, as it features every team across a countless number of leagues from around the world, and now, it includes the women's division too. Not only do you get to play some of your dream matches in FIFA, but these days you can take part in an original story, as well as either play a single player in a career mode or as a manager.

Of course, for all you mobile gamers out there, you can give FIFA Mobile a whirl, but bear in mind that it's missing some features found in the mainline series, but it does have the basics, and lets you live out your footballing fantasy.

EA Sports FC 24

Portable platforms: Nintendo Switch, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Steam Deck, Windows handhelds

Following EA Sports' breakaway from the FIFA group, FC 24 is the dawn of a new era for soccer gaming. In saying that, it's very much still the same as it ever was, with plenty of game modes to keep you engaged, from the online marketplace of FIFA Ultimate Team to the more traditional Career Mode approach.

Unlike the five years of FIFA titles that came before, FC 24 is the first EA Sports football sim on Switch to make use of the developer's Frostbite engine. This means the soccer gameplay is better than ever on Nintendo's handheld device, so much so we gave it a solid 8/10 in our FC 24 review. Or, if you're playing and looking for some top-quality players, see our guides to FC 24 potential and FC 24 wonderkids.

Mutant Football League: Dynasty Edition

Portable platforms: Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, Windows handhelds

Is this a football game? I mean, it says so in the title, but it depends on where you are in the world. If you're in North America, then yes, if you're in the UK, technically not, but we still recognize it as American football, so it counts. Besides, it's an ultra-violent version that features all sorts of great moments as a range of mutants take to the pitch - that alone means it deserves some attention.

Much like Madden, the game allows you to either become the coach or GM of your favorite team, leading them to victory by any means necessary - even if it means broken bones, well, so long as it's not your players that receive the injuries.

Madden NFL 25 Football

Portable platforms: iOS, Android, Xbox Cloud Gaming

It's time to score some touchdowns on the small screen. Much like the mainline Madden series, Madden NFL 25 Mobile Football is a must-play for American football fans, as it features all of the NFL's teams, stadiums, and players. Furthermore, it has a range of game modes to sink your teeth into, including the ability to create a player and lead them to stardom. Or, you can put together your dream team, and fill it with the stars of the past, present, and future.

If you're looking for a Madden game to play on the go, take a punt on this one, or stream the mainline version to your phone via Xbox Cloud Gaming.

Rocket League

Portable platforms: Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android

Before you form a lynch mob and cuss me out, take a second to consider what Rocket League is - the closest thing you can get to a soccer game without the use of feet. You drive around instead of running, yet the aim of the game is still to strike the ball into the back of the net. Therefore, it gets a place on this list.

Perhaps the best thing about Rocket League is that the matches are short, so if you only have a bit of game time, you can squeeze several matches in. This also makes the mobile version, Rocket League Sideswipe, great. Speaking of which, if you want to show off your mad skills, check out our Rocket League Sideswipe air roll guide.

eFootball 2024

Portable platforms: iOS, Android

If we compare this game to other entries on this list, it's not exactly amazing, but hey, for what it is, it's not a bad soccer game - we certainly won't give it a red card, maybe a yellow on a bad day. In all seriousness, it's a solid title, especially on mobile, and it offers a lot of the same content that FIFA does. In fact, it's fair to say that it comes down to personal preference, with some preferring EA's title, and others wanting to take to the pitch with Konami's game.

If you want some easy-going football action, eFootball has you covered, but prepare yourself, as some of your favorite players and teams might not be what they are in real life - licenses sure are a pain.

Mario Strikers: Battle League Football

Portable platforms: Nintendo Switch

As the name of the game implies, Mario and co lace up their boots, put their competitive hats on, and take to the pitch for a 5v5 match of strike, a sport that's just like soccer, except, you know, it's a bit heavier on the offense, what with the bombs, bananas, and ability to wipe out your opponents.

Check out our Mario Strikers: Battle League review to find out what we think about the mustachioed plumber's latest foray into footie fun.

Omega Strikers

Portable platforms: Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android, Steam Deck, Windows handhelds

Mixing top-down soccer game vibes with colorful, fast-paced 3v3 MOBA action, Omega Strikers is the debut title from Odyssey Interactive, a studio made up of ex-Riot employees. Kick, bash, and shoot your way to victory amongst slime girls, giant hamsters, and kitsunes.

We've got an Omega Strikers review that goes into more detail and an Omega Strikers tier list if you want to know who to pick to get some early wins. Plus, it's free-to-play, so giving it a go can't hurt.

Blue Lock Project: World Champion

Portable platforms: iOS, Android

Blue Lock PWC as it's more commonly known is a soccer management sim mixed with a visual novel, based on the immensely popular Blue Lock anime. You play as a fired-assistant-turned-soccer-coach working at the Blue Lock facility, training up these young stars to become Japan's number one striker.

This game is free to play, but it's also a gacha game, meaning there's a certain element of luck and RNG to how well your team can do against the competition.

Captain Tsubasa: Ace

Portable platforms: iOS, Android

Any anime fan knows that Captain Tsubasa is a classic of the sports anime genre, and he has his own mobile game to prove it. You can play 5v5 real-time matches against others or assemble your dream league from a full cast of characters from the anime and manga series.

Of course, this is a sports anime, so the footballers are skilled in both standard skills like dribbling and shooting, but also have their own unique ultimate abilities to unleash on the field.

Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road

Portable platforms: Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android

Much like Captain Tsubasa, Inazuma Eleven is a mainstay of the football game genre, and it's finally getting a new title for Switch, mobile, PC, and other consoles. It follows the story of "a boy who yearns for a world without soccer and a soccer monster who stands atop the world."

Revive your school's neglected soccer club and rise through the ranks to become the best team in Japan. If you're a long-standing fan of the series, you need to check out Chronicle Mode. It includes 4.5k characters from the series' past that you can talk to and compete with!

Football Manager 2024

Portable platforms: Nintendo Switch, Netflix Games, Apple Arcade, Steam Deck, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Windows handhelds

Prefer calling the shots from the side of the pitch to running around the field? Give Football Manager 2024 a go. Since Sports Interactive has made the decision to completely cancel the 2025 edition of the game, there's still plenty of time to invest in last year's version.

Explore the Japanese soccer league for the first time, import your data from the 2023 version to continue your dominance, and craft the best team you can from thousands of players.

EA Sports College Football 25

Portable platforms: Xbox Cloud Gaming

Coach your college football team in EA Sports College Football 25 and bring them to glory. Visit iconic locations, test your strategic decision-making skills, and play a range of game modes.

Thanks to Wear and Tear, you also have to take the physical toll of football into account when choosing your team and managing their health. Plus, Pre-Snap Recognition asks if you trust in your high-skill seniors or want to take a risk with your untested freshman.

Desktop Soccer 2

Portable platforms: Nintendo Switch

Desktop Soccer 2, or Desktop Football if you're in the UK, is part of the charmingly chibi series of Desktop games that you've likely spotted across our sports game guides. It's an easy-to-play soccer simulator for the whole family, letting you divvy up four Joy-Cons to play together locally.

Customize your player's style, equip them with items to change up their strategy, and compete in mini-games or tournaments. You can play 3v1 or 2v2, so either divide up your group into equal teams or let one skilled soccer gamer defend their title.

NFL Retro Bowl '25

Portable platforms: iOS

This relaunched version of the classic mobile football game NFL Retro Bowl allows you to create your own dynasty by managing your favorite players and teams to reach the top.

Its retro graphics are incredibly pleasing, and it mixes real strategy with wish fulfilment in the best way. Is your team always missing out on the Super Bowl? Take them there yourself!

So, what do you think? Are these games championship-worthy, or do they face relegation? Either way, we consider them to be some of the best football games and soccer games. If sports aren't your thing, check out our picks for the best Switch games and best mobile games to see what else is out there