Soccer Kid

A platform game protagonist who uses a soccer ball to attack enemies and navigate levels to recover the stolen World Cup.

Action

Games

1993–2003

Years

Platforms

$100.10

Ø CIB

+22.8%

24M change

About

Soccer Kid is the titular protagonist of the 1993 platformer Soccer Kid and its subsequent ports and re-releases, including the Game Boy Advance and PlayStation versions in 2002. In the North American Super NES release, the character was renamed Kid Kleets. He navigates various international-themed levels, using a soccer ball to perform tricks, defeat enemies, and retrieve the pieces of the stolen World Cup trophy.

Developed by Krisalis Software, the character was designed to capitalize on the 1990s mascot platformer trend, distinguishing itself through physics-based sports mechanics rather than traditional combat. The character first appeared in the 1993 Amiga version of Soccer Kid, followed closely by a 3DO Interactive Multiplayer release the same year. In 1994, the character reached wider audiences through ports of Soccer Kid on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System and the Amiga CD32.

Following a hiatus, the character transitioned to handheld gaming with the 2000 release of Soccer Kid on the Game Boy Color. This was followed in 2002 by updated versions of Soccer Kid for the Game Boy Advance and PlayStation, published by Telegames. To promote the Game Boy Advance version, a special edition titled Soccer Kid [with Plush Kid Doll] was released in 2002, offering a physical collectible of the protagonist. Throughout these iterations, the character's gameplay remained defined by complex ball-control mechanics, including headers, chest traps, and bicycle kicks, which required precise player input to maintain possession of the ball while traversing hazards.