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The essence of soccer eluded me until I observed the game with my old man. It happened during a visit to my family home at the peak of the global tournament season. The Italian team was in contention, and that was a huge deal to my father, an newcomer from southern Italy. Even though I perpetually considered the sport boring, his excitement was utterly infectious that it riveted me to the TV. The code was cracked that day, instantly grasping all the electrifying complexities the pastime had to offer and buying into its profound meaning. It became imperative that the Italian squad emerge victorious.

It's difficult to explain the appeal of games to those who are indifferent. One requires to experience that epiphany where it all makes sense for yourself — or, failing that, you need an enthusiastic teacher on hand to demystify the intricate rules and showcase the beating heart of the sport. The past year proved that this is something a interactive experience can pull off. This year presented three superb football games that explored the game in very different, approachable manners.

The Cultural Touchstone: Despelote

The most significant piece of that trifecta is Despelote. This narrative experience is a autobiographical narrative set in South America. On the surface, it's a typical tale about a young boy finding his way in the 2000s and finding his place. Yet, all of this takes place against the setting of an monumental cultural event: The national squad qualified for the global tournament, and it is the paramount thing happening in the protagonist's lives. Matches are on every television screen. They're broadcast during family events. It's the only thing anyone can discuss. Football is existence.

In this environment, we observe the main character develop. He's not just figuring out where he belongs at a house party, but where he fits into his culture as well. The beautiful game is inextricably linked to his identity, and it's through the sport that he realizes himself as a loyal citizen. It's the closest a video game has ever come to allowing me to comprehend my own dad and the reason he was so glued to the World Cup all those years ago.

The Bodily Mastery: Rematch

Where Despelote zooms in on the societal importance of soccer, two other titles from this year encapsulate the mechanics of the sport itself in more approachable ways than FIFA-style simulations. Rematch, the newest game from the developers behind Sifu, digs into the raw physicality of soccer. The competitive title deconstructs the sport by transforming it into a fast-paced contest played between compact squads. It takes inspiration from titles like Rocket League to create an pick-up-and-play match that's focused on tight teamwork and exquisite touch.

My summer was consumed with Rematch for a solid month this summer. It appeared easy during my first few sessions, but each occasion I fired it up, I uncovered greater complexity. Beyond simple passes and shots, I learned how to dodge around defenders to avoid a sliding tackle. I figured out how to release the ball to prevent someone from stealing it. I practiced my skill moves until I could turn a flashy-looking move into a proper defensive tactic. These myriad little tricks taught me about soccer in ways I wouldn't have been able to appreciate as a passive observer. I walked away with a greater respect for the central part body control plays in the game, acknowledging what a athletically impressive endeavor it truly is.

The Cerebral Game: Pup Champs

Whereas Rematch revealed the athletic side of soccer, Pup Champs playfully illustrated the strategic side. The newest release from the developers behind Golf Peaks, Pup Champs is a tactical football puzzle game featuring puppies. Every challenge asks you to navigate a small team on a grid and shoot the ball into a net. Simple enough, but the twist lies in the fact that each dog has a specific kick pattern, they can only advance a set number of tiles, and there are blockers to navigate around. Solving a puzzle demands smart planning and a masterful understanding of the pitch. It feels like you're directing a high school soccer team, crafting the perfect strategies to steer your team to glory. While not a serious interpretation of the game by any means, but it's a delightful complement to Rematch.

A New Perspective

Of course, there were also plenty of releases about soccer, as expected. Annual franchises came out as per usual and fan-favorite series made their eagerly awaited return. But, thanks to these three games, I spent 2025 engaging with soccer more than I have since. Interactive experiences allowed me to see the incredible skill that goes into a sport I'll realistically never be skilled at (too much running!) and understand why soccer matters to countless people. It's a notable gaming trend I would love to see continue, with more imaginative approaches to sports games that seek to communicate the feel of a sport rather than copying it 1:1. And, a few other games accomplished this for various games this year, whether it was the freeing bicycle races of Wheel World or the dreamlike experience of Skate Story. If you don't typically enjoy sports, there are more and more games out there that are eager to invite you into the club.