Which players are the Blue Lock characters inspired by?

The Blue Lock universe is filled with charismatic characters with very distinct playing styles. But some fans have noticed that several of them seem to be inspired by real-life soccer players .
In this article, we will focus on the players who inspired the author in the creation of some of the series' iconic characters.

Isagi Yoichi as Filippo Inzaghi

Let's start with Isagi Yoichi , the central character of Blue Lock and a true pillar of the anime. His style of play is distinguished by a strategic approach, where every move is carefully considered. Many see in him an implicit reference to Filippo Inzaghi , the legendary Italian striker.

Like Inzaghi, Isagi doesn't need to impose himself physically or shine with spectacular gestures. His strength lies in his reading of the game , his ability to position himself precisely , and his talent for exploiting the slightest defensive weakness . They are seemingly discreet attackers, but formidably effective as soon as an opportunity presents itself.

Both share that rare profile of box foxes , capable of making the difference with a simple move or a good anticipation. Their genius is not necessarily seen in statistics or technical moves, but in a deep understanding of the pitch and the pace of the match.

Finally, a fun detail often noted by fans: the names “Isagi” and “Inzaghi” have a certain phonetic proximity , which further reinforces the parallel between the two players.

Bachira Meguru as Ronaldinho

Let's continue with Bachira Meguru , one of Blue Lock's most unique players, known for his boundless creativity and completely unpredictable style. If we had to compare him to a player who has made his mark on football history, the name Ronaldinho naturally comes to mind.

Bachira, like Ronaldinho, is not simply a player who scores or dribbles. He transforms every match into a moment of spectacle , a demonstration of freedom and instinctive play. Their way of handling the ball seems to defy the laws of logic , so natural and fluid it appears. They play with such ease that each action becomes almost choreographed.

Like Ronaldinho, Bachira takes real pleasure in unbalancing his opponents . He strings together feints, changes of pace, and unexpected moves with disconcerting fluidity. It's not just technique: it's a form of magic on the pitch . Where others force their movements, Bachira plays as if he were dancing with the ball.

But beyond the aesthetics, it's also their game intelligence that impresses. Both know when to accelerate, when to slow down, and how to create gaps in opposing defenses. This ability to think differently , to surprise, makes them unique profiles in their generation in reality as in anime.

Shidou Ryusei as Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Among the most notable profiles of Blue Lock , Ryusei Shidou stands out for his explosive style, his rebellious temperament and his ability to turn a match in an instant. A character who is reminiscent of Zlatan Ibrahimović , one of the most atypical and influential strikers of his generation.

Much like Zlatan, Shidou displays an unwavering confidence , sometimes perceived as arrogance, but which is in reality a true mental strength. Both share this desire to impose themselves through their personality as much as through their talent .

On the pitch, their game combines refined technique with raw power . They excel in physical duels , especially in the air, while also being capable of very high-level technical moves . They can control impossible balls, score from improbable positions, and outpace defenders with authority.

This taste for the spectacular is at the heart of their identity. Shidou, like Zlatan, seeks to impress as much as to score , to make the goal a demonstration of superiority. Their ambition goes beyond the simple framework of the match: they want to leave a mark.

Finally, their competitive mentality makes them unique. No matter the circumstances, they are driven by a constant need to prove they are the best . And for them, this belief isn't an excess of ego: it's a necessary condition for success.

Julian Loki: Kylian Mbappé

In the world of Blue Lock , Julian Loki perfectly embodies the profile of the precocious, explosive and unpredictable prodigy , capable of turning a match on its head in an instant. From his first appearances in the series, his exceptional speed and his way of attacking spaces immediately recall Kylian Mbappé , one of the most formidable strikers in world football.

Like Mbappé, Loki is a player capable of destroying a defense in the blink of an eye . His main quality is obviously his speed, but that's not what defines him. Both also share remarkable game intelligence , an ability to read the weaknesses of an opposing block and choose the ideal moment to strike.

Julian Loki charges forward with intensity, breaks down the wings with ease, and exploits every gap to create danger—a game mechanic very similar to that used by Mbappé on every counterattack. The similarities don't end there: technically, Loki is a complete player, capable of combining short dribbles, changes of direction, and oriented controls with great mastery.

Finally, despite his young age, Julian Loki already displays the confidence and attitude of a top player , like the Mbappé the world discovered from his professional debut. The ease, confidence, and even certain physical traits reinforce this comparison which, for many fans, leaves no doubt: Loki is the fictional reflection of a barely masked Mbappé .

Baro Shoei: Mario Balotelli

It's impossible not to think of Mario Balotelli when watching Shoei Barou in Blue Lock . Both share that imposing presence , that provocative charisma , and above all, a dominating mentality that leaves no one indifferent.

Barou, like Balotelli, doesn't play to please. He plays to impose himself. He has no intention of following the rules of the collective if he can achieve victory alone. This need to be at the center of the game , to be the one who finishes the actions, directly recalls the attitude that Balotelli has displayed throughout his career: that of a confident player, sometimes arrogant, but always decisive when he is in form .

Technically, both have a physical, direct, explosive game . Barou hits hard, takes up space with authority, and does not hesitate to challenge his opponents one on one. Balotelli also distinguished himself with his power, his explosiveness in the first few meters , and his ability to strike from all positions , with uncommon strength.

But what brings Barou closest to Balotelli is this constant tension between genius and pride , between pure talent and the refusal to bend. Their ego is not a brake, but a driving force , a source of energy that pushes them to prove that they can do everything on their own. For them, scoring is not just a goal, it is a demonstration of superiority .

Barou is, like Balotelli, a player apart. Instinctive, proud, unpredictable... but terribly effective when everything aligns.

Conclusion

The characters in Blue Lock don't come out of nowhere. They're shaped from real-life traits, borrowed from the greatest names in football. It's this inspiration, combined with a unique staging, that makes the work so captivating. Understanding these references also means better appreciating every action, every rivalry, every goal.

Did you know that Blue Lock teams are also inspired by real clubs?
Find out more here:
➡️ Which teams are the Blue Lock jerseys inspired by?

And if you want to play as your favorite player , you can find all their team jerseys in our store:
➡️ See the BlueLock jerseys