Konami’s eFootball 30th Anniversary marks a milestone in digital football history, commemorating the franchise’s journey from Winning Eleven and Pro Evolution Soccer to the current iteration of eFootball. The celebration launched on July 21, 2025, through a series of global in-game events and the eFootball World Festival in Shibuya, Japan. While legendary players like Lionel Messi, Lamine Yemal, Pelé, Ferenc Puskás, and Wayne Rooney featured on special anniversary player cards, the event’s largely cosmetic nature has sparked considerable fan disappointment. Community feedback is sharply focused on the lack of meaningful game modes and anticipated improvements, echoing across social media, forums, and YouTube commentary.
Reliving history with special in-game events
The 30th anniversary delivered a robust calendar of in-game events, including daily challenges, exclusive tour matches, and limited-time campaign objectives. These were designed to reward loyal players with anniversary-themed player cards—some starring the sport’s greatest legends. For many, reliving and collecting moments that harken back to the franchise’s Winning Eleven and Pro Evolution Soccer eras added a layer of nostalgia, further enriched by the historic Shibuya setting of the eFootball World Festival. Yet, while the digital festivities were lively, they didn’t meet all community expectations.
Anniversary player cards and cosmetic rewards
A highlight of this anniversary was the release of anniversary player cards—coveted, visually stunning items featuring both current and legendary footballers. These cards fueled excitement and collected interest, drawing players back for repeated logins and gameplay. However, beneath their allure, the rewards were overwhelmingly cosmetic. Many long-standing fans voiced their wish for deeper gameplay features and more impactful content rather than limited-time, flashy visuals.
Game modes missing from the celebration
One of the central frustrations within the community was the absence of beloved game modes such as Master League and Edit Mode. These modes have defined the franchise’s depth and replayability throughout its evolution from Winning Eleven and Pro Evolution Soccer to today’s eFootball. Despite being at the top of many fan wishlists, their non-return during the eFootball 30th Anniversary was a clear point of contention.
Persistent fan disappointment and community reaction
The joy of the event was dampened by widespread fan disappointment. Across platforms—Reddit, YouTube, Twitter—veteran and new players criticized Konami’s strategy. The core of the backlash centers on the lack of substantive updates and the feeling that Konami, despite orchestrating a grand celebration, has not addressed calls for gameplay innovation, especially compared to previous milestones in the series’ long legacy.
Konami’s approach and the role of free-to-play
Konami’s evolving development model plays a significant role. The free-to-play structure of the current eFootball platform appears to restrict investment in major new content, such as additional game modes or significant mechanical updates. Instead, the 30th anniversary leaned into cosmetic and event-driven engagement rather than game-defining improvements, leaving many to question if future anniversaries will follow the same path.
The significance of Shibuya and the eFootball World Festival
Hosting the eFootball World Festival in Shibuya was a symbolic nod to the franchise’s Japanese roots, connecting eras from Winning Eleven through to modern eFootball. Fans worldwide accessed a suite of special events celebrating the series’ journey. However, meaningful content innovation remains a global demand, and the gaps between celebration and substance were apparent despite the festival’s vibrant presentation.
Frequently asked questions about eFootball 30th Anniversary (FAQ)
What was the main focus of eFootball’s 30th anniversary?
The anniversary centered on in-game events, cosmetic rewards, and special player cards to mark the franchise’s three-decade journey, coinciding with the eFootball World Festival in Shibuya.
Did Konami introduce long-requested game modes like Master League or Edit Mode?
No, neither Master League nor Edit Mode returned during the anniversary, leading to notable disappointment in the community.
Who were featured in the special anniversary player cards?
Legendary footballers such as Lionel Messi, Lamine Yemal, Pelé, Ferenc Puskás, and Wayne Rooney headlined the anniversary player cards.
How did the community react to the anniversary celebrations?
The general response was critical, with many fans expressing frustration over the absence of major new features and the continued reliance on cosmetic or event-driven updates.
Where did the main celebrations take place?
The focal point was the eFootball World Festival in Shibuya, Japan, complemented by global in-game events accessible to all players.
Sources to this article
1. Konami (2025) ‘eFootball 30th Anniversary official site and event details’, https://www.konami.com/efootball/anniversary
2. Reddit (2025) ‘eFootball 30th Anniversary MegaThread: Feedback & Reactions,’ https://www.reddit.com/r/WEPES/comments/anniversary
3. YouTube (2025) ‘eFootball 30th Anniversary Review and Fan Response’, http://youtube.com/efootball30threview
4. Polygon (2025) ‘Konami’s eFootball 30th Anniversary: What’s Missing and What’s Next?’, https://www.polygon.com/efootball-anniversary
