eFootball Climbs to Number One in Japan's App Store as Legendary Midfielders Arrive

Konami's eFootball has climbed to first place in Japan's App Store gaming revenue rankings, demonstrating the continuing commercial appeal of legendary footballers. According to the October 20 rankings recorded at approximately 9:30am Japanese time, the football game moved from fifth place to first following the introduction of its Epic: European Clubs Midfielders recruitment campaign.

The promotion began on October 19 and provides opportunities to recruit three particularly recognisable players: Clarence Seedorf, Xabi Alonso and Yaya Touré. Each enjoyed a distinguished career at major European clubs, making the selection attractive to players interested in assembling teams featuring football legends. eFootball's performance also demonstrates how character and player recruitment systems can influence spending in sports games.

Rather than relying exclusively on new gameplay modes, publishers frequently introduce highly desirable athletes whose inclusion encourages players to revisit their squads. However, the ranking represents a snapshot of relative App Store spending rather than an independently audited revenue figure. Reaching first place does not establish how much money the game generated during the period.

The same ranking showed hololive Dreams climbing dramatically, while several established puzzle and strategy games retained prominent positions. For eFootball, the immediate achievement is significant because the Japanese mobile market remains exceptionally competitive. The promotion also illustrates how nostalgia can become a powerful commercial advantage when familiar sporting personalities return in digital form.

Apparently the best way to strengthen a modern football team is occasionally to recruit somebody who retired several years ago.