Yoichi Isagi is the protagonist of Blue Lock. Like many shonen manga/anime heroes, he starts off weak but steadily becomes stronger and hones his skills. Throughout his journey in Blue Lock, Isagi not only discovers his true potential and transforms his playstyle, but he also significantly impacts those around him. Isagi plays a crucial role in the development of many characters, some of whom initially resent him, while others become his friends or draw inspiration from him. These diverse interactions lead to significant growth and evolution among his peers. Through his actions, either directly or indirectly, Isagi helps many characters survive and thrive in the cutthroat environment of Blue Lock. Here are 10 characters saved by Yoichi Isagi in Blue Lock.
1. Ikki Niko
During the first selection arc, Yoichi Isagi’s Team Z faced off against Team Y, led by Ikki Niko. Both teams had already lost their first matches, making this a do-or-die situation: a loss would mean elimination from Blue Lock. Initially, Team Z was taken aback by Team Y’s exceptional teamwork and strategic play. The focal point of Team Y seemed to be Hibiki Okawa, who positioned himself as the central player receiving most passes to score goals.
However, Isagi soon realized that the real mastermind behind Team Y was Ikki Niko. Niko orchestrated the team’s movements and strategies, effectively controlling the game’s flow. Despite Team Y’s initial dominance, Isagi identified a critical weakness: Niko never attempted to score himself, relying entirely on Okawa to finish the plays. This insight reminded Isagi of his own past self, constrained by similar limitations.
Seizing this opportunity, Isagi exploited this loophole, leading Team Z to a hard-fought victory. During the match, Isagi taunted Niko, challenging his lack of direct goal-scoring ability and suggesting that he didn’t belong in Blue Lock if he couldn’t score goals himself. This confrontation shook Niko to his core. Faced with the destruction of his dreams and potential disqualification, Niko had a pivotal moment of self-realization.
Determined to survive, Niko transformed his playstyle. Inspired by Isagi’s words, he began taking on goal-scoring responsibilities, ultimately becoming Team Y’s top scorer. This shift not only allowed him to qualify for the next round but also marked a significant turning point in his development. Through Isagi’s influence, Niko discovered his potential as a goal-scorer, ensuring his survival and growth in Blue Lock.
2. Hyoma Chigiri
Hyoma Chigiri was initially introduced as an introverted and demotivated character who seemed disinterested in playing soccer. He kept to himself, refrained from participating in team affairs, and didn’t contribute to their strategies. Despite having a unique talent, he chose to keep his abilities hidden, even when the team was formulating plans to utilize everyone’s strengths. Everything changed during the third match between Team Z and Team W, a crucial do-or-die battle for Team Z. A loss would mean disqualification and the end of their journey in Blue Lock.
In this decisive match, Chigiri encountered his old teammates, Keisuke Wanima and Junichi Wanima, who were now part of Team W. To make matters worse, Team Z’s own player, Wataru Kuon, betrayed them by forming an alliance with Team W. Kuon struck a deal to help them win in exchange for becoming the top scorer, ensuring his advancement to the next round. With this betrayal, Team Z’s chances of survival dwindled, and they were on the brink of defeat.
Chigiri, already disheartened, had lost all hope and seemed ready to give up soccer entirely. Yet, in this moment of despair, Yoichi Isagi’s relentless effort and determination shone through. Despite the overwhelming odds, Isagi continued to fight with everything he had, displaying early glimpses of his meta vision observation skill. This unwavering resolve to turn the tide inspired the rest of Team Z.
Moved by Isagi’s unyielding spirit, Chigiri couldn’t understand why Isagi fought so hard when defeat seemed inevitable. As the match progressed, Chigiri’s backstory was revealed: he was once an exceptional soccer player with dreams of becoming the world’s number one striker. His incredible speed set him apart, making him one of the fastest players in Blue Lock. However, a devastating accident left him injured, and doctors advised him to quit soccer, shattering his dreams and leaving him demotivated.
Witnessing Isagi’s determination reignited a spark within Chigiri. Overwhelmed by a sudden rush of emotions, he found the courage to push past his fears. In a pivotal moment, Chigiri decided to give his all to soccer once more, regardless of the potential risks to his injured leg. With Team Z’s hopes hanging by a thread, Chigiri unleashed his full potential, sprinting with unparalleled speed and scoring the decisive goal that secured their victory.
Through Isagi’s inspiration, Chigiri was reborn, finding the strength to overcome his past and embrace his true potential. This transformation not only saved Chigiri but also played a crucial role in Team Z’s survival in Blue Lock.
3. Meguru Bachira
When Meguru Bachira was first introduced, he came across as a bit of a weirdo. However, his backstory reveals a deeper layer to his character. From a young age, Bachira loved playing football, spending every waking moment with a ball at his feet. He was the best among his peers, especially excelling in dribbling. Unfortunately, his talent alienated him from other children, who became jealous and bullied him, leaving him without anyone to play with.
Bachira’s mother, in a bid to comfort him, told him it was okay if no one else played with him—he could play with the monster inside him. Inspired by his mother’s words, Bachira conjured an imaginary monster friend, a manifestation of his passion and determination to play football.
As he grew older, Bachira joined his school’s football team, where he continued to outshine his teammates. Despite his exceptional skills, he longed for someone who could match his level of play and shared his inner “monster.” While his ultimate goal was to enjoy football, his teammates were focused solely on winning, which left him demotivated. One day, he received a letter from Blue Lock, inviting him to participate in the rigorous training program.
At Blue Lock, Bachira saw something special in Yoichi Isagi—a monster inside him, similar to his own. This realization reignited Bachira’s excitement and happiness, as he finally found a teammate who shared his motivation and passion for the game. Isagi’s presence inspired Bachira to push his limits and embrace his unique playing style.
However, the relationship between Isagi and Bachira was symbiotic. While Isagi’s determination and strategic thinking inspired Bachira, it was Bachira who frequently awakened the monster inside Isagi, spurring his evolution in Blue Lock. Through their mutual influence, both players grew stronger, continuously pushing each other to new heights. This dynamic not only saved Bachira from his loneliness but also played a crucial role in Isagi’s development, making their bond one of the most significant in Blue Lock.
4. Seishiro Nagi
Seishiro Nagi is a prodigy with exceptional talent, but he is notoriously lazy. He would rather play video games than engage in any physical activity, often avoiding even minor inconveniences like fetching his own food. His laid-back nature was interrupted by Reo Mikage, who recognized Nagi’s potential and convinced him to join his football team. With Nagi’s extraordinary skills, they began winning matches effortlessly. Together, they entered Blue Lock and were placed in Team X.
Despite Reo’s determination and encouragement, it wasn’t enough to ignite a passion for soccer in Nagi. Nagi joined Reo’s team primarily because Reo was the only one who genuinely considered him a friend and took care of most of the effort required in their partnership. Initially, Nagi had no interest in joining Blue Lock, but Reo’s persuasion brought him along. However, even Reo’s influence couldn’t make Nagi excited about football.
The turning point came when Nagi encountered Yoichi Isagi. Isagi’s intense passion for soccer and his strategic gameplay sparked something inside Nagi. For the first time, Nagi felt a sense of excitement and thrill in playing soccer, inspired by Isagi’s dedication and skill. This newfound excitement drove Nagi to join Isagi, marking the beginning of his true interest in the sport.
As Nagi continued to play alongside Isagi, their relationship evolved from friendship to rivalry. Nagi’s initial curiosity and excitement for soccer grew into a competitive drive to surpass Isagi. This rivalry fueled Nagi’s determination and passion for the game, transforming him from a lazy prodigy into a dedicated and formidable player.
In essence, it was Isagi who truly inspired Nagi to embrace soccer, igniting a fire of enthusiasm and competition that drove him to strive for excellence.
5. Reo Mikage
Reo Mikage is renowned in Blue Lock for his versatility, capable of seamlessly transitioning between various roles from striker to defender. His unique ability lies in his skill to mimic any player’s technique, as long as it’s physically within his capabilities. Mikage’s ambition was clear: he aimed to lead Japan to victory in the World Cup and elevate Seishiro Nagi to the status of the world’s number one striker.
However, Mikage’s dreams were shattered when Nagi chose to join forces with Yoichi Isagi during the Second Selection Arc, leaving Mikage feeling betrayed. This betrayal deeply affected Mikage, leading to a period of struggle where he suffered defeat after defeat in the Second Selection Round. Fortunately, he was rescued from elimination when Ryusei Shido recruited him for his team.
In the Third Selection Round, Mikage made a decisive choice to prioritize his own goals and ambitions. In one crucial match, where only the top six ranked players seemed capable of scoring, Mikage defied convention by pursuing his own path to goal-scoring success. This bold move paid off, earning him a spot in Blue Lock 11 team.
Subsequently, Mikage played a pivotal role as a center-back for the Blue Lock 11 team against Japan U-20. Despite the challenges he faced, Mikage demonstrated resilience and determination, showcasing his adaptability and skill on the field.
Indirectly impacted by Yoichi Isagi, Mikage’s story underscores the complex interplay of ambition, betrayal, and redemption within the competitive world of Blue Lock. Isagi’s influence indirectly shaped Mikage’s journey, catalyzing events that ultimately defined his path in pursuit of soccer greatness.
6. Kenyu Yukimiya
Kenyu Yukimiya made his debut in the Third Selection Arc, where he ranked 5th after the Second Selection Arc, establishing himself as a formidable player. Yukimiya is characterized by his stubborn determination and exceptional skills in 1-on-1 play, despite being hindered by optic neuropathy, an eye condition.
As the series progressed, Yukimiya faced setbacks when other players began surpassing him. Once ranked 5th, he struggled to secure a place in the starting eleven of the neo egoist league’s Bastard München team. His position was even taken by Yoichi Isagi, whose lower stats contradicted Bastard München’s policy of favoring players with the highest statistics. However, Isagi’s rising star status from Blue Lock eventually earned him a spot.
In a pivotal match for Bastard München, Yukimiya found himself alongside Isagi and Rensuke Kunigami, all eager to prove themselves by scoring goals. However, the team’s strategy centered around Michael Kaiser, leaving them without opportunities to receive passes. Isagi took matters into his own hands and started making plays independently, showcasing his value to the team and securing his place.
Yukimiya, however, struggled to demonstrate his worth and faced the risk of being excluded from future matches and the top 22 players eligible for the Japan U-20 team. His hopes were fading fast, threatening to undermine his dedication and hard work. Just when all seemed lost, Isagi passed the ball to Yukimiya, enabling him to score a crucial goal. This pivotal moment changed everything for Yukimiya, ensuring his selection into the Japan U-20 team.
In this way, Isagi’s timely assist saved Yukimiya’s career.
7. Rensuke Kunigami
Rensuke Kunigami’s journey in Blue Lock was a rollercoaster of triumphs and setbacks. Introduced as a passionate and hot-blooded forward with aspirations to become the world’s best striker, Kunigami quickly became a fan favorite during the First Selection Round. He distinguished himself as Team Z’s highest goal scorer and earned admiration for his team-oriented play.
However, his dreams suffered a devastating blow when he was eliminated from Blue Lock during the Second Selection Round, leaving him shattered and uncertain about his future in soccer.
Fate took a surprising turn for Kunigami when he reentered the scene as a Wild Card in the neo egoist league. His mindset shifted dramatically, fueled by a newfound ego and physical prowess that made him one of the strongest players in Blue Lock. Ranked 4th in stats for Bastard München, Kunigami’s approach centered around selfish motives, causing conflict within his new team. He refused to pass the ball, even to his former teammate Isagi, risking his position in upcoming matches.
Amidst these challenges, Isagi faced a similar struggle for recognition within Bastard München. Recognizing their shared predicament, Isagi took decisive action by passing the ball to Kunigami during a critical moment. This pivotal play not only secured Isagi’s place in the team but also validated Kunigami’s worth to Bastard München. Kunigami capitalized on the opportunity, scoring a crucial goal that solidified his position and renewed his confidence.
In this way, Isagi’s awakening and selfless pass to Kunigami not only saved their careers but also underscored the transformative power of teamwork and mutual support in Blue Lock.
8. Yo Hiori
Yo Hiori is a prodigious forward with a wise demeanor, having been groomed from childhood by his parents solely to excel in football and become the best in the world. However, the weight of his parents’ expectations became burdensome for Hiori, leaving him yearning for a sense of purpose of his own. His parents’ relentless pressure created a toxic environment, pushing Hiori to the brink of exhaustion.
It was his friend Karasu who provided the motivation for Hiori to join Blue Lock. He was introduced during the Third Selection Arc, where he entered the competition ranked 27th. Initially perceived as an average player without much significance, Hiori’s journey took a transformative turn when he joined Bastard München in the neo egoist league, alongside Yoichi Isagi.
In his initial matches with Bastard München, Hiori struggled to secure a place in the starting eleven due to his lower statistics. However, during a crucial match against Ubers, Isagi faced difficulties as no one on his team could keep up with his Meta Vision. He wanted someone by his side who could see the field as he sees. Recognizing the potential synergy between their abilities, Isagi realized that Hiori possessed a similar perceptual skill. He understood that Hiori could see the game in a way that mirrored his own vision, making him the ideal teammate to support and complement his style of play. Isagi convinced Noal Noa to substitute Hiori into the game, despite his lower stats, in place of Kurona.
At this point, Hiori was contemplating abandoning football altogether, disillusioned by the constant pressure to meet others’ expectations. However, playing alongside Isagi ignited a newfound excitement and passion within him. Their combined use of Meta Vision proved pivotal, propelling Bastard München to victory and compelling Hiori to reconsider his decision to quit football.
In this way, Isagi’s recognition of Hiori’s unique abilities and their subsequent collaboration not only saved Hiori from leaving the sport but also revitalized his love for football, marking a crucial turning point in his journey within Blue Lock.