Blue Lock is a sports anime that became popular not because it shows realistic soccer but because it focuses on mind games between players. Unlike shows like Haikyu!! it doesn't care much about teamwork or friendship. Instead it asks one big question: do you have the ego to win?
The characters are trying to figure out the same question. They're split into teams but only one striker can become the best. To do that they have to let go of friendships as quickly as they make them. Being strong and fit helps but true strength comes from a strong mind. These are the characters we think have what it takes to stand out.
1. Sae Itoshi
After the intense First Selection the Blue Lock players are shocked to learn they are still far from the level of international football stars. Sae Itoshi found this out firsthand when he went to Spain. There he saw just how far behind Japan's football teams really are even leaving his younger brother behind to chase that truth.
Sae Itoshi doesn’t visit Japan often because he’s disappointed with Japanese football. He usually comes back just to renew his passport. Still he’s clearly a top level player. His amazing skills, shown in a match against the Blue Lock Eleven prove that the main characters still have a lot to learn.
2. Rin Itoshi
Rin Itoshi isn’t just driven by ambition he wants revenge. As a kid he looked up to his brother and worked hard at football to impress him. But when his brother moved to Spain, Rin felt lost and without a goal.
Without someone to guide him Rin became angry and overly focused on being the best. His main goal is to beat his older brother and he doesn’t care much about making friends with the other players. He often insults others by saying their dreams aren’t good enough and he's talented enough to prove his point. Rin also has the people skills to be a soccer star as he speaks English well and can talk with players from other countries.
3. Seishiro Nagi
Nagi is a great example of someone with talent but no drive. During most of the First Selection. he doesn’t care much and skips practice to play video games. This makes him a bad teammate. His best friend Reo gets upset because Nagi might be the most naturally skilled player there. Even though he’s not the fastest or strongest he has incredible instinctive control of the ball.
After playing in a few exciting matches Nagi starts enjoying the game and becomes more active. He quickly proves himself as one of the best players. But this hurts his friendship with Reo. After relying on Reo for so long Nagi leaves him behind and focuses only on himself.
4. Meguru Bachira
Don’t be fooled by Bachira’s friendly smile he’s hiding something fierce inside. Isagi finds this out the hard way when he depends on Bachira only for Bachira to suddenly leave him behind.
As a child Bachira was bullied because he was different so he became a loner. His only friend was imaginary and he focused on improving his football skills. Trying to steal the ball from him is impossible so it's better to wait for him to pass it.
5. Rensuke Kunigami
If Blue Lock were a typical shounen anime Kunigami would likely be the main character and fan favorite. He’s a good person even though he can be hot-headed and has all the qualities of a hero. Plus his strong build adds to his appeal.
Despite being seen as a team leader Kunigami is eliminated in the First Selection. When he returns through a wild card he becomes more aggressive and his original values no longer matter. This new tougher Kunigami has what it takes to win, something the nicer version didn’t.
6. Shoei Baro
Baro a fallen king, starts the Blue Lock contest strong. He has the best physique and quickly calls himself the leader of his team. His ego makes him refuse to pass the ball showing his selfish striker mentality.
Baro is eventually overtaken which deeply hurts him. After that he decides to become a villain focusing only on world domination. As time passes and his pain fades Baro might try to rise to the top again.
7. Yoichi Isagi
Isagi is the main character so he has some protection in the story. However he wasn't a standout player at first. He's not the fastest or the strongest, and in the beginning, he was very easy to trick.
Everything changed when Isagi redefined his ego. With his sharp awareness of space and quick thinking, he started creating chances for goals. Most importantly, he stopped focusing on idealistic views and sportsmanship realizing that winning by his own efforts was what truly mattered. That mindset is what it takes to win.
8. Jyubei Aryu
Aryu is a likable character who cares about being stylish and doesn't like his name because he thinks it's not cool. Standing at six and a half feet tall Aryu has a big advantage in the sports battle royale because of his reach.
Aryu the tallest player in Blue Lock can block shots that would go over others. He also uses his whole body well including jumps and chest bumps. However it's still unclear if he has the determination to win even if it's not in the most stylish way.
9. Ryusei Shido
At the end of the first season Ryusei Shido surprised everyone and showed Team Z that friendship didn't matter in the race to become Japan's best striker. He is incredibly strong and plays football just because it excites him.
Shido has great physical skills and is strong at the start of the game but his lack of ambition could hold him back. He doesn't have the desire to defeat others and gets frustrated when opponents don't play well. If Shido focuses on using his strengths instead of looking for tough opponents he could become Japan's top striker.
10. Hyoma Chigiri
If being a prodigy was enough to win at Blue Lock Hyoma Chigiri would be at the top. He’s one of the most talented strikers in the series. In middle school Chigiri loved football and his speed was unmatched even after his knee injury.
Chigiri's kindness, along with his bad leg, could be what holds him back. Blue Lock needs players who are all about themselves but Chigiri isn't like that. There will be a time when he’ll need to step up and lead. but for now, he only shows small signs of doing so.
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