Introduction
When it comes to soccer, "teamwork" has always been emphasized. The key to success is for all 11 players to work together toward the same goal. However, the anime and manga "Blue Lock" poses a bold challenge to this common knowledge of the soccer world. The show places the highest importance on "ego" and claims that selfish behavior rather than teamwork will bring victory. Let's explore how this challenging theme overturns the common knowledge of soccer and why it captivates viewers.
Soccer theory centered on ego
The setting of "Blue Lock" is the "Blue Lock" project, which was launched by the Japanese soccer world aiming to win the World Cup, to develop the "world's best striker". 300 high school forwards are called together, and they fight to knock others down and reach the top. In the process, it is emphasized that a self-centered ego is the quality that a forward needs, and that the most important thing is to decide the game with individual strength, not team play.
Conventional soccer theory requires cooperation in which the whole team aims for the goal, but in "Blue Lock", cooperation within the team is merely "a means to stand out". This opposite approach overturns the concepts of "dedication" and "support" in soccer, and shows that egoism is the strongest weapon.
The awakening of the ego of the main character, Kiyoyoichi
The main character, Kiyoyoichi, was originally a player who placed importance on team play. However, after joining "Blue Lock" and going through the harsh competition, he gradually awakens his ego. He faces the reality that no one will be appreciated unless he scores a goal. In this harsh environment, Kiyoshi develops a strong desire to become a decisive player and grows as a person.
His process of growth embodies the message of the entire work that ego is not a bad thing, but rather a necessary element for a team to win. His attitude of not being afraid to assert himself and fulfilling his role influences other characters and is a consistent theme throughout the story.
Teamwork vs. Egoism
The delicate balance between egoism and teamwork is revealed throughout the story of Blue Lock. The strongest forward does not rely on the team, but must maximize his ego to score goals. However, at the same time, the egoism must be properly integrated into team play. In other words, while being self-centered, he must control his ego in order to contribute to the overall victory.
Characters such as Itoshi Rin and Nagi Seishiro hone their own egos through self-centered play, but there are also scenes where they work together with others to lead the whole team to victory. What is seen here is not simply self-centered behavior, but a new form of soccer theory that combines ego and team play.
Impact on the soccer world
The "soccer theory that emphasizes egoism" advocated by Blue Lock has some relevance to the real soccer world. In modern soccer, there are many scenes in which superstars such as Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo decide the game with their individual power. Although they have an egoism that makes them stand out in team play, they ultimately aim for the team's victory.
Blue Lock shows that pushing this individual ego strongly can sometimes lead to team success, and it has something in common with the playing style of modern top soccer players.
Conclusion
Blue Lock is a challenging work that explores the balance between team play and individual power with the theme of "egoism" that overturns the common sense of soccer. The perspective that self-centered play ultimately leads to the victory of the entire team depicts a new image of a soccer winner. This work challenges conventional soccer theory and reconsiders the relationship between ego and team play, and will continue to have a major impact on the real soccer world.
References
Blue Lock anime official website
GetNews Blue Lock VS. U-20 JAPAN
Excite News Blue Lock
Comments