Blue Lock's characters are known for being monsters on the field, but it turns out they were inspired by some real-life soccer monsters.
According to an interview with Blue Lock creator Muneyuki Kaneshiro's in Asahi Shimbun translated by @hoshi801_ on Twitter, the retired Brazilian player Ronaldinho was revealed as the inspiration for Meguru Bachira. It's easy to see the connection since both Bachira and Ronaldinho possess excellent dribbling technique. The legendary player is considered one of the best players of all time not just with his unrivaled dribbling skills but his ability to score and create goals through the use of tricks, feints and overhead kicks. He captained Brazil to win the bronze medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics.
Kaneshiro also revealed he modeled protagonist Yoichi Isagi's playing style after former Italian striker Filippo Inzaghi. Additionally, he modeled the arrogant Shoei Baro on the Italian player Mario Balotelli, who has received criticism for his poor attitude. Likewise, Japanese player Ryo Miyachi became his source of inspiration for Hyoma Chigiri, the forward prodigy known for his immense speed.
Blue Lock's World Cup Connection
The plot of Blue Lock flows in the aftermath of Japan's disastrous 16th place finish at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, with the Japanese Football Union looking to turn its fortunes around. Thus, they hire Ego Jinpachi to lead a special project, titled "Blue Lock," an intensive training program where 300 high school forwards are picked for the opportunity to represent Japan. To be the best player, the players must prove their willingness to be aggressive and selfish, essentially an egotist.
Interestingly, Blue Lock trended recently on social media after Japan's shocking upset victory over tournament favorites Germany during the 2022 World Cup. The win was particularly special considering how Japan is the 24th-ranked team in the world while Germany is 11th, surprisingly resulting in the underdogs turning the tables on favorites, scoring two goals after trailing in the first half. Thus, fans rejoiced on social media, with many writing that Blue Lock's titular training regimen was real. Shortly after the match ended, the Blue Lock artist Yusuke Nomura celebrated Japan's win with a new illustration of Isagi.
Blue Lock won Best Shonen Manga at the Kodansha Awards in 2021 and has over 10 million copies in circulation as of August 2022. It received a Harvey Award nomination for Best Manga in 2022. Eight Bit adapted the series into an anime in October 2022.
Fans can stream Blue Lock on Crunchyroll. Published by Kodansha USA, the manga is available for purchase from various retailers.
Source: Asahi Shimbun, Twitter