Blue Lock#Characters

{{Infobox animanga/Header

| image = Blue Lock manga volume 1.png

| caption = First {{Transliteration|ja|tankōbon}} volume cover, featuring Yoichi Isagi

| ja_kanji = ブルーロック

| ja_romaji = Burū Rokku

| genre = {{ubl|Sports|Thriller{{cite book|title=Blue Lock|url=https://kodansha.us/series/blue-lock/|publisher=Kodansha USA|access-date=May 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220429131407/https://kodansha.us/series/blue-lock/|archive-date=April 29, 2022|url-status=live}}}}

}}

{{Infobox animanga/Print

| type = manga

| author = Muneyuki Kaneshiro

| illustrator = {{ill|Yusuke Nomura (manga artist)|lt=Yusuke Nomura|ja|ノ村優介}}

| publisher = Kodansha

| publisher_en = {{English manga publisher

| NA = Kodansha USA

}}

| demographic = {{Transliteration|ja|Shōnen}}

| imprint = Shōnen Magazine Comics

| magazine = Weekly Shōnen Magazine

| first = August 1, 2018

| last =

| volumes = 34

| volume_list = List of Blue Lock chapters

}}

{{Infobox animanga/Print

| type = manga

| title = Blue Lock: Episode Nagi

| author = Muneyuki Kaneshiro

| illustrator = Kōta Sannomiya

| publisher = Kodansha

| publisher_en = {{English manga publisher

| NA = Kodansha USA

}}

| demographic = {{Transliteration|ja|Shōnen}}

| imprint =

| magazine = Bessatsu Shōnen Magazine

| first = June 9, 2022

| last =

| volumes = 7

| volume_list = List of Blue Lock chapters#Blue Lock: Episode Nagi volumes

}}

{{Infobox animanga/Video

| type = tv series

| director = {{ubl|Tetsuaki Watanabe ({{Abbr|S1|Season 1}})|Shunsuke Ishikawa ({{Abbr|S1|Season 1}}){{efn|Credited as {{Nihongo|Assistant Director|副監督|Fuku Kantoku}}.}}|Yūji Haibara ({{Abbr|S2|Season 2}})}}

| writer = Taku Kishimoto

| music = Jun Murayama

| studio = Eight Bit

| licensee = {{ubl|Crunchyroll{{efn|In North America through Crunchyroll, LLC.}}|{{English anime licensee|SA/SEA|Medialink}}}}

| network = ANN (TV Asahi)

| network_en = {{English anime network|SEA=Animax Asia}}

| first = October 9, 2022

| last = December 28, 2024

| episodes = 38

| episode_list = List of Blue Lock episodes

}}

{{Infobox animanga/Video

| type = film

| title = Blue Lock: Episode Nagi

| director = Shunsuke Ishikawa

| producer =

| writer = Taku Kishimoto

| music = Jun Murayama

| studio = Eight Bit

| licensee = Crunchyroll

| released = {{Start date|2024|4|19}}

| runtime = 91 minutes

| budget =

| gross =

}}

{{Nihongo|Blue Lock|ブルーロック|Burū Rokku|lead=yes}} (stylized as BLUELOCK) is a Japanese manga series written by Muneyuki Kaneshiro and illustrated by {{ill|Yusuke Nomura (manga artist)|lt=Yusuke Nomura|ja|ノ村優介}}. It has been serialized in Kodansha's Weekly Shōnen Magazine since August 2018, with its chapters collected in 34 {{Transliteration|ja|tankōbon}} volumes as of June 2025.

An anime television series adaptation produced by Eight Bit aired from October 2022 to March 2023. An anime film adaptation based on the Episode Nagi spin-off manga premiered in April 2024. A second season, subtitled vs. U-20 Japan, aired from October to December 2024.

By March 2025, the manga had over 45 million copies in circulation worldwide, making it one of the best-selling manga series of all time. In 2021, Blue Lock won the 45th Kodansha Manga Award in the {{Transliteration|ja|shōnen}} category.

Plot

{{See also|List of Blue Lock characters{{!}}List of Blue Lock characters}}

The Japan national team finished 16th in the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The Japan Football Union hires the football enigma Jinpachi Ego. His masterplan to lead Japan to stardom is Blue Lock, a training regimen designed to create the world's greatest egotistic striker. Those who fail Blue Lock will never again be permitted to represent Japan. Yoichi Isagi, an unknown high school football player who is conflicted about his playing style, decides to join the program to become the best striker in the world.

Media

= Manga =

{{Main|List of Blue Lock chapters{{!}}List of Blue Lock chapters}}

Written by Muneyuki Kaneshiro and illustrated by {{ill|Yusuke Nomura (manga artist)|lt=Yusuke Nomura|ja|ノ村優介}}, Blue Lock started in Kodansha's Weekly Shōnen Magazine on August 1, 2018.{{cite web|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/293591|script-title=ja:金城宗幸×ノ村優介、W杯優勝を目指すFW育成物語「ブルーロック」週マガで|website=Comic Natalie|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|language=ja|date=August 1, 2018|access-date=January 27, 2021|archive-date=February 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204142119/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/293591|url-status=live}} Kodansha has collected its chapters into individual {{Transliteration|ja|tankōbon}} volumes. The first volume was released on November 16, 2018.{{cite web|script-title=ja:ブルーロック（１）|url=https://kc.kodansha.co.jp/product?item=0000314505|publisher=Kodansha|access-date=January 27, 2021|language=ja|archive-date=February 2, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220202132243/https://kc.kodansha.co.jp/product?item=0000314505|url-status=live}} As of June 17, 2025, 34 volumes have been released.{{cite web|script-title=ja:ブルーロック（３４）|url=https://kc.kodansha.co.jp/product?item=0000413908|publisher=Kodansha|access-date=June 16, 2025|language=ja|archive-date=June 9, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250609034521/https://www.kodansha.co.jp/comic/products/0000413908|url-status=live}}

In January 2021, Kodansha USA announced that they had licensed the manga for English digital release in North America, starting on March 16, 2021.{{cite web|last=Pineda|first=Rafael Antonio|title=Kodansha Licenses 7 New Manga by Jet Kusamura, Marimo Ragawa, Fly, More|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-01-26/kodansha-licenses-7-new-manga-by-jet-kusamura-marimo-ragawa-fly-more/.168808|website=Anime News Network|access-date=January 27, 2021|date=January 26, 2021|archive-date=January 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126122439/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-01-26/kodansha-licenses-7-new-manga-by-jet-kusamura-marimo-ragawa-fly-more/.168808|url-status=live}} In January 2022, Kodansha USA announced that they would release the manga in print.{{cite web|last=Mateo|first=Alex|title=Exclusive: Blue Lock Soccer Manga Gets Print Releases in English|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-01-06/exclusive-blue-lock-soccer-manga-gets-print-releases-in-english/.181258|website=Anime News Network|access-date=January 6, 2022|date=January 6, 2022|archive-date=January 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220106180703/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-01-06/exclusive-blue-lock-soccer-manga-gets-print-releases-in-english/.181258|url-status=live}}

A spin-off manga focusing on Seishiro Nagi, titled Blue Lock: Episode Nagi, began serialization in Kodansha's Bessatsu Shōnen Magazine on June 9, 2022.{{cite web|last=Pineda|first=Rafael Antonio|title=Blue Lock Soccer Manga Gets Spinoff in June|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-03-09/blue-lock-soccer-manga-gets-spinoff-in-june/.183382|website=Anime News Network|access-date=March 9, 2022|date=March 9, 2022|archive-date=March 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220309070143/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-03-09/blue-lock-soccer-manga-gets-spinoff-in-june/.183382|url-status=live}} The spin-off is written by Muneyuki Kaneshiro and illustrated by Kōta Sannomiya.{{cite web|last=Mateo|first=Alex|title=Tesla Note Artist Kōta Sannomiya Draws Blue Lock Spinoff|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/daily-briefs/2022-05-09/tesla-note-artist-kota-sannomiya-draws-blue-lock-spinoff/.185492|website=Anime News Network|access-date=May 9, 2022|date=May 9, 2022|archive-date=May 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220509160204/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/daily-briefs/2022-05-09/tesla-note-artist-kota-sannomiya-draws-blue-lock-spinoff/.185492|url-status=live}} Its chapters have been collected in seven {{Transliteration|ja|tankōbon}} volumes as of May 16, 2025.{{cite web|script-title=ja:ブルーロック－ＥＰＩＳＯＤＥ凪－（7）|url=https://kc.kodansha.co.jp/product?item=0000412691|publisher=Kodansha|access-date=May 10, 2025|language=Japanese|archive-date=May 15, 2025|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250515234253/https://www.kodansha.co.jp/comic/products/0000412691|url-status=live}} The spin-off is set to end with the release of its eighth volume on August 12, 2025.{{cite web|last=Hodgkins|first=Crystalyn|title=Bluelock -Episode Nagi- Spinoff Manga Ends in 8th Volume in August|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2025-05-17/bluelock-episode-nagi-spinoff-manga-ends-in-8th-volume-in-august/.224520|website=Anime News Network|access-date=May 17, 2025|date=May 17, 2025}} Kodansha has published the series in English on its K Manga service.{{cite web|title=Kodansha's K Manga app launches with 60 English simupubs among 400 titles|url=https://soranews24.com/2023/05/11/kodanshas-k-manga-app-launches-with-60-english-simupubs-among-400-titles/|website=Sora News 24|date=May 10, 2023|access-date=May 10, 2023|archive-date=May 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230510150058/https://soranews24.com/2023/05/11/kodanshas-k-manga-app-launches-with-60-english-simupubs-among-400-titles/|url-status=live}} In October 2023, Kodansha USA announced that the manga is planned to be published in print.{{cite web|last=Mateo|first=Alex|title=Kodansha USA Licenses Blue Lock -Episode Nagi-, Tank Chair, He's Expecting Manga|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-10-14/kodansha-usa-licenses-blue-lock-episode-nagi-tank-chair-he-expecting-manga/.203350|website=Anime News Network|access-date=October 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014204014/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-10-14/kodansha-usa-licenses-blue-lock-episode-nagi-tank-chair-he-expecting-manga/.203350|archive-date=October 14, 2023|date=October 14, 2023|url-status=live}} The first volume was released on October 15, 2024.{{cite web|title=Blue Lock: Episode Nagi, Volume 1|url=https://kodansha.us/product/blue-lock-episode-nagi-1/|publisher=Kodansha USA|access-date=September 5, 2024|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240905174031/https://kodansha.us/product/blue-lock-episode-nagi-1/|archive-date=September 5, 2024|url-status=live}}

= Anime =

{{Main|List of Blue Lock episodes{{!}}List of Blue Lock episodes}}

An anime television series adaptation was announced on August 12, 2021. The series is produced by Eight Bit and directed by Tetsuaki Watanabe, with Shunsuke Ishikawa serving as assistant director, Taku Kishimoto overseeing the series' scripts, Masaru Shindō providing the main character designs and serving as chief animation director, Hisashi Tojima serving as a chief action director, and Jun Murayama composing the music. The series' first season ran for 24 episodes from October 9, 2022, to March 26, 2023, on TV Asahi's {{ill|NUMAnimation|ja|NUMAnimation}} programming block.{{cite web|script-title=ja:ブルーロック：テレビアニメは全24話連続2クール放送南野拓実選手が“名誉キャプテン”に|url=https://mantan-web.jp/article/20220923dog00m200010000c.html|website=Mantan Web|date=September 23, 2022|access-date=December 7, 2022|language=ja|archive-date=October 5, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221005115832/https://mantan-web.jp/article/20220923dog00m200010000c.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Pineda|first=Rafael Antonio|title=Blue Lock Soccer Manga Gets TV Anime by 8-Bit in 2022|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-08-12/blue-lock-soccer-manga-gets-tv-anime-by-8-bit-in-2022/.176166|website=Anime News Network|date=August 12, 2021|access-date=August 12, 2021|archive-date=August 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815194821/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-08-12/blue-lock-soccer-manga-gets-tv-anime-by-8-bit-in-2022/.176166|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Hodgkins|first=Crystalyn|title=Blue Lock Anime Reveals Promo Video, October Premiere, 10 More Cast Members|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-05-13/blue-lock-anime-reveals-promo-video-october-premiere-10-more-cast-members/.185636|website=Anime News Network|date=May 13, 2022|access-date=May 13, 2022|archive-date=May 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220513101334/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-05-13/blue-lock-anime-reveals-promo-video-october-premiere-10-more-cast-members/.185636|url-status=live}}{{efn|TV Asahi lists the series premiere at 25:30 on October 8, 2022, which is effectively 1:30 a.m. JST on October 9.{{cite web|script-title=ja:「ブルーロック」に花江夏樹・鈴木崚汰・櫻井孝宏が出演、1話＆2話の先行劇場上映も|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/489269|website=Comic Natalie|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|date=August 12, 2022|access-date=August 12, 2022|language=ja|archive-date=November 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221103125304/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/489269|url-status=live}}}} The first opening theme song is {{Nihongo|"Chaos ga Kiwamaru"|カオスが極まる||"Chaos Reigns"}}, performed by Unison Square Garden, while the first ending theme song is "Winner", performed by Shugo Nakamura.{{cite web|last=Pineda|first=Rafael Antonio|title=Blue Lock Anime's Video Reveals More Cast, Opening Song, October 8 Premiere|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-08-12/blue-lock-anime-video-reveals-more-cast-opening-song-october-8-premiere/.188592|website=Anime News Network|date=August 12, 2022|access-date=August 12, 2022|archive-date=August 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220812070344/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-08-12/blue-lock-anime-video-reveals-more-cast-opening-song-october-8-premiere/.188592|url-status=live}} The second opening theme song is "Judgement", performed by Ash Da Hero, while the second ending theme song is "Numbness Like a Ginger", performed by Unison Square Garden.{{cite web|last=Hazra|first=Adriana|title=Ash Da Hero Performs New Opening Theme for Blue Lock Anime|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-12-24/ash-da-hero-performs-new-opening-theme-for-blue-lock-anime/.193293|website=Anime News Network|date=December 24, 2022|access-date=December 24, 2022|archive-date=December 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221224170023/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-12-24/ash-da-hero-performs-new-opening-theme-for-blue-lock-anime/.193293|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Loo|first=Egan|title=Unison Square Garden Performs Blue Lock Anime's New Ending Song|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-01-21/unison-square-garden-performs-blue-lock-anime-new-ending-song/.194064|website=Anime News Network|date=January 21, 2023|access-date=January 21, 2023|archive-date=January 21, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230121203903/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-01-21/unison-square-garden-performs-blue-lock-anime-new-ending-song/.194064|url-status=live}}

Following the end of the first season, a second season was announced.{{cite web|last=Saabedra|first=Humberto|title=Bluelock Anime Strikes Back with Season 2, Movie Plans|url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2023/03/25/bluelock-anime-strikes-back-with-season-2-movie-plans|website=Crunchyroll|date=March 25, 2023|access-date=March 25, 2023|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325172237/https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2023/03/25/bluelock-anime-strikes-back-with-season-2-movie-plans|url-status=live}} Titled vs. U-20 Japan, the season aired from October 5 to December 28, 2024, on TV Asahi's brand new {{ill|IMAnimation|ja|IMAnimation}} block.{{cite web|last=Hodgkins|first=Crystalyn|title=Bluelock TV Anime's 2nd Season Reveals 2 More Cast Members, October 5 Debut in New Programming Block on TV Asahi|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2024-06-24/bluelock-tv-anime-2nd-season-reveals-2-more-cast-members-october-5-debut-in-new-programming-block-/.212351|website=Anime News Network|access-date=June 24, 2024|date=June 24, 2024|archive-date=June 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240624104428/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2024-06-24/bluelock-tv-anime-2nd-season-reveals-2-more-cast-members-october-5-debut-in-new-programming-block-/.212351|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Hodgkins|first=Crystalyn|title=Bluelock Season 2 Anime Reveals Title, New Visuals|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2024-08-18/bluelock-season-2-anime-reveals-title-new-visuals/.214430|website=Anime News Network|date=August 18, 2024|access-date=August 18, 2024|archive-date=August 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240818130145/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2024-08-18/bluelock-season-2-anime-reveals-title-new-visuals/.214430|url-status=live}}{{cite web|script-title=ja:テレビ朝日：アニメ枠「IMAnimation」10月新設　第1弾は「ブルーロック」第2期　追加キャストに日野聡、若山晃久|url=https://mantan-web.jp/article/20240624dog00m200054000c.html|website=Mantan Web|date=June 24, 2024|access-date=June 24, 2024|language=ja|archive-date=June 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240624105610/https://mantan-web.jp/article/20240624dog00m200054000c.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|script-title=ja:第2期最終話目前！『ブルーロック』シリーズの全話無料一挙放送が決定！劇場版からTVアニメ第1期全24話＆第2期最新話までを12月22日（日）～24日（火）に無料一挙放送！|url=https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000828.000064643.html|publisher=Abema|via=PR Times|access-date=December 27, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241227054802/https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000828.000064643.html|archive-date=December 27, 2024|language=ja|date=December 15, 2024|url-status=live}} The opening theme song is {{Nihongo|"Bōjaku no Charisma"|傍若のカリスマ|Bōjaku no Karisuma}}, performed by Unison Square Garden,{{cite web|script-title=ja:「ブルーロック」第2期OP主題歌はUnison Square Garden、音源聴けるPV公開|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/583570|website=Comic Natalie|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|access-date=July 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240724102934/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/583570|archive-date=July 24, 2024|language=ja|date=July 24, 2024|url-status=live}} while the ending theme song is "One", performed by Snow Man.{{cite web|script-title=ja:「エピ凪」地上波初放送決定　「ブルーロック」第2期の新PV到着、EDはSnow Man|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/591377|website=Comic Natalie|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|access-date=September 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240917122107/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/591377|archive-date=September 17, 2024|language=ja|date=September 17, 2024|url-status=live}}

== English release ==

Crunchyroll has licensed the series for streaming and premiered an English dub on October 22, 2022.{{cite web|last=Hodgkins|first=Crystalyn|title=Crunchyroll to Stream Blue Lock, Orient 2nd Part, Rent-A-Girlfriend Season 2 Anime|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-05-28/crunchyroll-to-stream-blue-lock-orient-2nd-part-rent-a-girlfriend-season-2-anime/.186103|website=Anime News Network|date=May 28, 2022|access-date=May 28, 2022|archive-date=May 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220528223046/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-05-28/crunchyroll-to-stream-blue-lock-orient-2nd-part-rent-a-girlfriend-season-2-anime/.186103|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Mateo|first=Alex|title=Blue Lock Anime Reveals English Dub's Cast, October 22 Premiere|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-10-21/blue-lock-anime-reveals-english-dub-cast-october-22-premiere/.191082|website=Anime News Network|date=October 21, 2022|access-date=October 21, 2022|archive-date=October 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221021173303/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-10-21/blue-lock-anime-reveals-english-dub-cast-october-22-premiere/.191082|url-status=live}} The company released the series on two Blu-ray Disc sets on November 14, 2023, and May 28, 2024.{{cite web|last=Mateo|first=Alex|title=North American Anime, Manga Releases, November 12–18|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-11-15/north-american-anime-manga-releases-november-12-18/.204451|website=Anime News Network|access-date=September 25, 2024|date=November 15, 2023|archive-date=November 21, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121205250/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-11-15/north-american-anime-manga-releases-november-12-18/.204451|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Mateo|first=Alex|title=North American Anime, Manga Releases, May 26–June 1|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2024-05-29/north-american-anime-manga-releases-may-26-june-1/.211293|website=Anime News Network|access-date=September 25, 2024|date=May 29, 2024|archive-date=June 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240601010010/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2024-05-29/north-american-anime-manga-releases-may-26-june-1/.211293|url-status=live}}

Medialink licensed the series in the Asia-Pacific region.{{cite web|last=Pineda|first=Rafael Antonio|title=Ani-One Asia Streams Gundam: The Witch From Mercury, My Master Has no Tail, Blue Lock Anime|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-09-26/ani-one-asia-streams-gundam-the-witch-from-mercury-my-master-has-no-tail-blue-lock-anime/.190204|website=Anime News Network|date=September 26, 2022|access-date=September 26, 2022|archive-date=September 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926093033/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-09-26/ani-one-asia-streams-gundam-the-witch-from-mercury-my-master-has-no-tail-blue-lock-anime/.190204|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Hazra|first=Adriana|title=Ani-One Simulcasts The Human Crazy University, Blue Lock Anime|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-10-01/ani-one-simulcasts-the-human-crazy-university-blue-lock-anime/.190370|website=Anime News Network|date=October 1, 2022|access-date=October 9, 2022|archive-date=October 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009020415/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-10-01/ani-one-simulcasts-the-human-crazy-university-blue-lock-anime/.190370|url-status=live}} It was broadcast on Animax Asia in the region.{{cite web|last=Pineda|first=Rafael Antonio|title=Animax Asia Airs Simulcast of Beast Tamer, Blue Lock Anime|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-09-29/animax-asia-airs-simulcast-of-beast-tamer-blue-lock-anime/.190326|website=Anime News Network|date=September 29, 2022|access-date=December 29, 2024|archive-date=November 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241114131927/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-09-29/animax-asia-airs-simulcast-of-beast-tamer-blue-lock-anime/.190326|url-status=live}}

== Film ==

At the end of the first season, an anime film adaptation of the Episode Nagi manga was also announced.{{cite web|last=Loo|first=Egan|title=Bluelock Anime Gets 2nd Series, Film With 6 More Cast Members|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-03-25/bluelock-anime-gets-2nd-series-film-with-6-more-cast-members/.196431|website=Anime News Network|access-date=March 25, 2023|date=March 25, 2023|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325173843/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-03-25/bluelock-anime-gets-2nd-series-film-with-6-more-cast-members/.196431|url-status=live}} The film features the staff and cast reprising their roles, with Shunsuke Ishikawa, who served as assistant director for the first season, assigned to direct the film and manga writer Muneyuki Kaneshiro supervising the story.{{cite web|last=Mateo|first=Alex|title=Bluelock -Episode Nagi- Anime Film's Trailer Reveals Spring 2024 Premiere|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-08-16/bluelock-episode-nagi-anime-film-trailer-reveals-spring-2024-premiere/.201332|website=Anime News Network|date=August 16, 2023|access-date=August 16, 2023|archive-date=August 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230816172348/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-08-16/bluelock-episode-nagi-anime-film-trailer-reveals-spring-2024-premiere/.201332|url-status=live}} It premiered in Japanese theaters on April 19, 2024.{{cite web|last=Hodgkins|first=Crystalyn|title=Bluelock -Episode Nagi- Anime Film's Trailer Reveals April 19 Debut|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-11-26/bluelock-episode-nagi-anime-film-trailer-reveals-april-19-debut/.204819|website=Anime News Network|date=November 26, 2023|access-date=November 26, 2023|archive-date=November 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231126080642/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-11-26/bluelock-episode-nagi-anime-film-trailer-reveals-april-19-debut/.204819|url-status=live}} Nissy and Sky-Hi performed the film's theme song, "Stormy".{{cite web|last=Tai|first=Anita|title=AAA Members Nissy, Sky-Hi Perform Bluelock -Episode Nagi- Film's Theme Song|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2024-02-04/aaa-members-nissy-sky-hi-perform-bluelock-episode-nagi-film-theme-song/.207215|website=Anime News Network|date=February 4, 2024|access-date=February 5, 2024|archive-date=February 5, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240205004958/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2024-02-04/aaa-members-nissy-sky-hi-perform-bluelock-episode-nagi-film-theme-song/.207215|url-status=live}}

In April 2024, Crunchyroll announced that they had acquired North American and select international theatrical rights to the film. The film was released in the United States and Canada on June 28.{{cite web|last=Mateo|first=Alex|title=Crunchyroll to Screen Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle, Bluelock The Movie -Episode Nagi-, Overlord: The Sacred Kingdom Anime Films (Updated)|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2024-04-09/crunchyroll-to-screen-haikyu-the-dumpster-battle-bluelock-the-movie-episode-nagi-overlord-the-/.209687|website=Anime News Network|access-date=April 25, 2024|date=April 9, 2024|archive-date=April 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240424181220/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2024-04-09/crunchyroll-to-screen-haikyu-the-dumpster-battle-bluelock-the-movie-episode-nagi-overlord-the-/.209687|url-status=live}} In the Philippines, the film was released by Pioneer Films on July 31.{{cite web|title='Blue Lock The Movie – Episode Nagi' is coming to Philippine cinemas this July|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/hobbiesandactivities/913273/blue-lock-the-movie-episode-nagi-is-coming-to-philippine-cinemas-this-july/story/|publisher=GMA News Online|access-date=September 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240714020715/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/hobbiesandactivities/913273/blue-lock-the-movie-episode-nagi-is-coming-to-philippine-cinemas-this-july/story/|archive-date=July 14, 2024|date=July 13, 2024|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Blackpink World Tour receives PG rating|url=https://tribune.net.ph/2024/08/07/blackpink-world-tour-gets-pg-rating|publisher=Daily Tribune|access-date=September 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240917125016/https://tribune.net.ph/2024/08/07/blackpink-world-tour-gets-pg-rating|archive-date=September 17, 2024|date=August 7, 2024|url-status=live}}

= Stage plays =

A stage play adaptation of the manga was announced by Kodansha in December 2022. It ran on May 4–7, 2023, at Osaka's Sankei Hall Breeze and on May 11–14 at Tokyo's Sunshine Theater. The play was directed and written by Naohiro Ise. The cast included Ryōhei Takenaka as Yoichi Isagi, Nobunaga Satō as Meguru Bachira, Shōta Matsuda as Rensuke Kunigami, and Ryō Saeki as Hyōma Chigiri.{{cite web|last=Pineda|first=Rafael Antonio|title=Blue Lock Manga Gets Stage Play Next May|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-12-13/blue-lock-manga-gets-stage-play-next-may/.192903|website=Anime News Network|date=December 13, 2022|access-date=March 8, 2023|archive-date=March 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307193205/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-12-13/blue-lock-manga-gets-stage-play-next-may/.192903|url-status=live}}

A second play, subtitled 2nd Stage, ran on January 18–24, 2024, at Kyoto Theater and on January 25–31 at Hulic Hall Tokyo. The play was again directed and written by Ise, and Kōhei Nagata joined the cast as Rin Itoshi, with the other cast members returning to reprise their roles from the previous stage play.{{cite tweet|author={{lang|ja|【公式】舞台『ブルーロック』}}|user=Bluelock_Stage|number=1657711835490168833|script-title=ja:舞台『ブルーロック』2ndStage 2024年1月公演決定！！|access-date=May 23, 2023|language=ja|date=May 14, 2023}}{{cite web|last=Mateo|first=Alex|title=Bluelock Series Gets 2nd Stage Play in January 2024|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-09-12/bluelock-series-gets-2nd-stage-play-in-january-2024/.202278|website=Anime News Network|date=September 12, 2023|access-date=September 12, 2023|archive-date=September 12, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230912174117/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-09-12/bluelock-series-gets-2nd-stage-play-in-january-2024/.202278|url-status=live}}

A third play, subtitled 3rd Stage, ran on August 9–12, 2024, at the Higashi-Osaka Cultural Creation Hall Dream House Great Hall and on August 17–25 at Tokyo's Theater H. The new cast members including Ryono Kusachi, Gaku Matsuda, Kosuke Asuma, and Kairi Miura.{{cite web|last=Mateo|first=Alex|title=Bluelock Series Gets 3rd Stage Play in August|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2024-05-28/bluelock-series-gets-3rd-stage-play-in-august/.211284|website=Anime News Network|date=May 28, 2024|access-date=May 29, 2024|archive-date=May 29, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240529050428/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2024-05-28/bluelock-series-gets-3rd-stage-play-in-august/.211284|url-status=live}}

A fourth play, subtitled 4th Stage, ran on May 15–25, 2025, at Tokyo's Theatre Milano-Za and on May 30–June 1 at the Higashi-Osaka Cultural Creation Hall Dream House Great Hall.{{cite web|last=Cayanan|first=Joanna|title=Bluelock Manga Gets 4th Stage Play in May 2025|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2024-08-25/bluelock-manga-gets-4th-stage-play-in-may-2025/.214728|website=Anime News Network|date=August 25, 2024|access-date=August 25, 2024|archive-date=August 25, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240825101512/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2024-08-25/bluelock-manga-gets-4th-stage-play-in-may-2025/.214728|url-status=live}}

A stage play based on Episode Nagi spin-off manga is scheduled to run on November 20–30, 2025, at Theatre G-Rosso. The cast included Takamichi Satō as Seishirō Nagi and Shūji Kikuchi as Reo Mikage.{{cite web|last=Tai|first=Anita|title=Bluelock -Episode Nagi- Manga Gets Stage Play in November|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2025-05-25/bluelock-episode-nagi-manga-gets-stage-play-in-november/.224765|website=Anime News Network|date=May 25, 2025|access-date=May 26, 2025|archive-date=May 26, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250526091947/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2025-05-25/bluelock-episode-nagi-manga-gets-stage-play-in-november/.224765|url-status=live}}

= Video games =

A smartphone game based on the series, titled Blue Lock: Blaze Battle, was released on March 1, 2024 for both iOS and Android devices. A promotional video for the game, featuring Hey! Say! JUMP's Ryosuke Yamada, was released.{{cite web|script-title=ja:「ブルーロック Blaze Battle」のTVCMキャラクターに山田涼介さんの起用が決定！|url=https://www.gamer.ne.jp/news/202311200025/|website=Gamer|access-date=November 20, 2023|language=ja|date=November 20, 2023|archive-date=November 20, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120065144/https://www.gamer.ne.jp/news/202311200025/|url-status=live}}{{cite press release|script-title=ja:新作ゲーム『ブルーロック Blaze Battle』(ブレバト)TVCMキャラクターに山田涼介さんの起用が決定！|url=https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000015.000107202.html|publisher=Bael Inc.|via=PR Times|access-date=November 20, 2023|language=ja|date=November 20, 2023|archive-date=November 20, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120064831/https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000015.000107202.html|url-status=live}}{{cite press release|script-title=ja:完全新作3Dスマホゲーム『ブルーロック Blaze Battle』(ブレバト)3月1日（金）よりついに配信開始|url=https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000019.000107202.html|publisher=Bael Inc.|via=PR Times|access-date=January 22, 2025|language=ja|date=March 4, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523004025/https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000019.000107202.html|archive-date=May 23, 2024|url-status=live}} Another smartphone game, titled Blue Lock Project: World Champion, was released in English for both iOS and Android devices on April 23, 2024.{{cite press release|script-title=ja:ゲーム『ブルーロック Project: World Champion』英語版　各国のサービス開始日が2024年4月23日に決定！（一部地域、プラットフォームを除く）|url=https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000030.000108712.html|publisher=Bael Inc.|via=PR Times|access-date=January 22, 2025|language=ja|date=April 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240503214900/https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000030.000108712.html|archive-date=May 3, 2024|url-status=live}}

In March 2024, Konami announced a collaboration with the series for their eFootball 2024 game.{{cite web|title=Konami's eFootball and Blue Lock Animation Series Collaboration|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2024-03-21/konami-efootball-and-blue-lock-animation-series-collaboration/.209020|publisher=Konami|access-date=March 29, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240329164007/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2024-03-21/konami-efootball-and-blue-lock-animation-series-collaboration/.209020|archive-date=March 29, 2024|date=March 21, 2024|url-status=live}}

= Novel =

A prologue novel, titled {{Nihongo|Blue Lock: Tatakai no Mae, Bokura wa. Aryū, Barō, Yukimiya|ブルーロック戦いの前、僕らは。蟻生・馬狼・雪宮||{{lit|Blue Lock: Before the Fight, We are Aryu, Barō, Yukimiya}}}}, penned by Momo Moegi and Yusuke Nomura, was published on July 17, 2024.{{cite web|last=Tai|first=Anita|title=Blue Lock Manga Listed With New Prologue Novel|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2024-05-15/blue-lock-manga-listed-with-new-prologue-novel/.210814|website=Anime News Network|access-date=May 15, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240515224016/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2024-05-15/blue-lock-manga-listed-with-new-prologue-novel/.210814|archive-date=May 15, 2024|date=May 15, 2024|url-status=live}}

Reception

= Manga =

By August 2020, the manga had over 1.9 million copies in circulation,{{cite tweet|author=Soccer Manga Blue Lock [Official]|user=bluelock_wm|number=1297402871697117184|script-title=ja:『ブルーロック』最新10巻発売ホヤホヤです！！|access-date=August 12, 2021|language=ja|date=August 23, 2020}} with growth in subsequent years.{{multiref2|1={{cite tweet|author=Soccer Manga Blue Lock [Official]|user=bluelock_wm|number=1353672932514439176|script-title=ja:／㊗️皆さんの応援のお陰で、✨既刊全巻に超大重版が ✨決定いたしました！！！＼|access-date=August 12, 2021|language=ja|date=January 25, 2021}}|2={{cite press release|script-title=ja:ブルーロック初原画展「BLUE LOCK EXHIBITION」開催決定！タワレコ渋谷で5月15日～6月6日、オリジナルグッズも販売！|url=https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000715.000025445.html|access-date=August 12, 2021|publisher=Tower Records|via=PR Times|date=April 26, 2021|archive-date=June 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623184506/https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000715.000025445.html|url-status=live}}|3={{cite tweet|author=Soccer Manga Blue Lock [Official]|user=bluelock_wm|number=1432179412665966596|script-title=ja:累計500万部突破しました|access-date=August 30, 2021|language=ja|date=August 30, 2021}}|4={{cite web|script-title=ja:『ブルーロック』キャラPV・蜂楽廻編公開！海渡翼が蜂楽の魅力を語る|url=https://animageplus.jp/articles/detail/42264|website=Animage+|publisher=Tokuma Shoten|access-date=March 14, 2022|language=ja|date=February 16, 2022|archive-date=February 23, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220223021239/https://animageplus.jp/articles/detail/42264|url-status=live}}|5={{cite tweet|number=1508999754927452164|user=bluelock_wm|script-title=ja:✨㊗️全巻大重版㊗️✨🎊累計830万部突破🎊|author=Soccer Manga Blue Lock [Official]|date=March 30, 2022|access-date=March 30, 2022|language=ja}}|6={{cite web|script-title=ja:『ブルーロック』己こそがナンバーワン!!選手は全員エゴイスト！究極の状況から誕生した最もエゴい＆イカれた名台詞・名シーンをまとめました!!|url=https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1655965311|website=Animate Times|access-date=July 10, 2022|language=ja|date=June 29, 2022|archive-date=July 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220710102221/https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1655965311|url-status=live}}|7={{cite web|script-title=ja:秋アニメ『ブルーロック』スペシャルステージイベントがABEMA にて生配信決定！声優・浦和希さん、海渡翼さん、仲村宗悟さん、市川蒼さんが出演|url=https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1659931076|website=Animate Times|access-date=August 12, 2022|language=ja|date=August 8, 2022|archive-date=August 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220812131527/https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1659931076|url-status=live}}|8={{cite web|script-title=ja:『ブルーロック』新ビジュアル＆振り返りダイジェストムービー公開！|url=https://animageplus.jp/articles/detail/48732|website=Animage+|access-date=January 4, 2023|language=ja|date=December 26, 2022|archive-date=January 4, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230104141559/https://animageplus.jp/articles/detail/48732|url-status=live}}|9={{cite tweet|number=1618824074721132545|user=bluelock_wm|script-title=ja:✨🎊全巻重版1800万部突破🎊✨|author=Soccer Manga Blue Lock [Official]|date=January 27, 2023|access-date=January 27, 2023|language=ja}}|10={{cite tweet|number=1627530369787625472|user=bluelock_wm|script-title=ja:✨🎊全巻重版2150万部突破🎊✨『ブルーロック』1〜22巻全巻重版です📚🎊最新23巻は3月17日発売です🙌ぜひあわせて皆様の元に迎え入れてやってください🙇‍♂️いつも応援ありがとうございます🔥|author=Soccer Manga Blue Lock [Official]|date=February 20, 2023|access-date=February 20, 2023|language=ja}}|11={{cite tweet|number=1636652392279310337|user=bluelock_wm|script-title=ja:🎊📚全巻重版2400万部突破📚🎊先程の23巻に加え、1〜22巻にも重版がかかり、累計部数2400万部を突破しました🎉エゴイストの皆様、いつもたくさん応援していただきありがとうございます😭✨最新刊発売ホヤホヤの#ブルーロック 1〜23巻ぜひ読んでみてください🙇‍♂️🙌#エゴい|author=Soccer Manga Blue Lock [Official]|date=March 17, 2023|access-date=March 17, 2023|language=ja}}|12={{cite tweet|number=1652174275263213569|user=bluelock_wm|script-title=ja:🎊📚重版速報2550万部突破📚🎊おかげさまで、ブルーロック累計部数が2550万部を突破しました🎉皆さまの日々のエゴい応援に大感謝す😭✨ゴールデンウィークは#ブルーロック1〜23巻ぜひたくさんの方にお読みいただきたいです🙇‍♂️🙌|author=Soccer Manga Blue Lock [Official]|date=April 29, 2023|access-date=May 1, 2023|language=ja}}|13={{cite tweet|number=1658705223295315968|user=bluelock_wm|script-title=ja:🎊📚本日発売&2600万部突破📚🎊#ブルーロック最新24巻本日発売いたしました‼️今巻で2600万部突破です🙌 いつも応援いただき、ありがとうございます🙇‍♂️✨表紙は氷織羊🐏🔥ぜひお手にとってみてください🤗|author=Soccer Manga Blue Lock [Official]|date=May 17, 2023|access-date=May 28, 2023|language=ja}}|14={{cite tweet|number=1680187305901035520|user=bluelock_wm|script-title=ja:✨㊗️累計2700万部突破㊗️✨ 「ブルーロック最新25巻」＆「ブルーロック 25 潔・蜂楽サイン入り公式応援セット付き特装版」発売ホヤホヤ‼️ 累計部数は 2700万部を突破しました🎉📚🎊 ぜひ #ブルーロックで 25巻を読んだ感想を教えていただけたら嬉しいです🙌 特装版のグッズは添付画像にてチェック👀🎁|author=Soccer Manga Blue Lock [Official]|date=July 15, 2023|access-date=July 15, 2023|language=ja}}|15={{cite tweet|number=1692176297479590257|user=bluelock_wm|script-title=ja:✨📚累計2800万部突破📚✨#ブルーロック累計部数が2800万部を突破いたしました🔥いつもエゴい応援をいただきありがとうございます😭😭まだまだエゴく頑張ります⚽️2024年春の公開が発表された「劇場版ブルーロック -EPISODE凪-」と TVアニメ第２期もどうぞお楽しみに🙌🎁|author=Soccer Manga Blue Lock [Official]|date=August 17, 2023|access-date=August 21, 2023|language=ja}}|16={{cite web|script-title=ja:「劇場版ブルーロック -EPISODE 凪-」4月19日ロードショー！玲王、斬鉄、世一らが集結したビジュアル&予告編も公開|url=https://animeanime.jp/article/2023/11/26/81480.html|website=AnimeAnime.jp|access-date=November 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231127161745/https://animeanime.jp/article/2023/11/26/81480.html|archive-date=November 27, 2023|language=ja|date=November 26, 2023|url-status=live}}|17={{cite press release|script-title=ja:「ブルーロック」YouTubeで第1期全話を順次無料公開、本日配信スタート【TVアニメ第2期が10月5日から放送開始！】|url=https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000006353.000001719.html|publisher=Kodansha|via=PR Times|access-date=August 13, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240805144929/https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000006353.000001719.html|archive-date=August 5, 2024|language=ja|date=July 26, 2024|url-status=live}}}} By March 2025, it had over 45 million copies in circulation.{{cite web|script-title=ja:「ブルーロック」公式人気投票の結果は？【2024年最新版】|url=https://times.abema.tv/articles/-/10045491|publisher=Abema Times|access-date=March 21, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250321110520/https://times.abema.tv/articles/-/10045491|archive-date=March 21, 2025|language=ja|date=March 21, 2025|url-status=live}}

Blue Lock was the best-selling manga series in the first half of 2023 (the period between November 2022 and May 2023), with over 8 million copies sold,{{cite web|last=Loo|first=Egan|title=Top-Selling Manga in Japan by Series: 2023 (1st Half) — Blue Lock Sells 8 Million After Anime|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-05-30/top-selling-manga-in-japan-by-series-2023-blue-lock-sells-8-million-after-anime/.198621|website=Anime News Network|access-date=May 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531025830/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-05-30/top-selling-manga-in-japan-by-series-2023-blue-lock-sells-8-million-after-anime/.198621|archive-date=May 31, 2023|date=May 30, 2023|url-status=live}} while volumes 12–14 and 21–23 were among the best-selling manga volumes from the same period.{{cite web|last=Loo|first=Egan|title=Top-Selling Manga in Japan by Volume: 2023 (1st Half) — One Piece 105 Sells 1.76 Million|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-05-30/top-selling-manga-in-japan-by-volume-2023-one-piece-105-sells-1.76-million/.198623|website=Anime News Network|access-date=May 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531030435/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-05-30/top-selling-manga-in-japan-by-volume-2023-one-piece-105-sells-1.76-million/.198623|archive-date=May 31, 2023|date=May 30, 2023|url-status=live}} Volumes 22–24 were among the best-selling manga volumes of 2023.{{cite web|last=Loo|first=Egan|title=Top-Selling Manga in Japan by Volume: 2023 — One Piece Tops Chart for 13th Time|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-11-30/top-selling-manga-in-japan-by-volume-2023-one-piece-tops-chart-for-13th-time/.204968|website=Anime News Network|access-date=November 30, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231130063153/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-11-30/top-selling-manga-in-japan-by-volume-2023-one-piece-tops-chart-for-13th-time/.204968|archive-date=November 30, 2023|date=November 30, 2023|url-status=live}} Volume 24 was Kodansha's second-highest first print run manga volume of 2023–2024 (period from April 2023–March 2024), with 450,000 copies printed, while the third volume of Blue Lock: Episode Nagi was the fifth, with 210,000 copies printed.{{cite web|last=Hodgkins|first=Crystalyn|title=Manga With Biggest 1st Printings from Kodansha, Shogakukan, Shueisha: 2023–2024|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2024-04-07/manga-with-biggest-1st-printings-from-kodansha-shogakukan-shueisha-2023-2024/.209605|website=Anime News Network|access-date=April 7, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240407173159/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2024-04-07/manga-with-biggest-1st-printings-from-kodansha-shogakukan-shueisha-2023-2024/.209605|archive-date=April 7, 2024|date=April 7, 2024|url-status=live}}

The series was recommended by manga author Hajime Isayama of Attack on Titan fame, for whom Yusuke Nomura previously worked as an assistant.{{cite web|script-title=ja:諫山創×金城宗幸×ノ村優介、「ブルーロック」1巻発売を記念し週マガで鼎談|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/307915|website=Comic Natalie|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|access-date=January 27, 2021|language=ja|date=November 14, 2018|archive-date=February 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210207162914/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/307915|url-status=live}} Blue Lock was one of the Top 3 Sports Manga Series of the "Nationwide Bookstore Employees' Recommended Comics of 2020" by Honya Club.{{cite web|last=Mateo|first=Alex|title=Japanese Bookstores Recommend 15 Top Manga for 2020|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-02-01/japanese-bookstores-recommend-15-top-manga-for-2020/.156006|website=Anime News Network|access-date=January 27, 2021|date=February 1, 2020|archive-date=February 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200201100249/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-02-01/japanese-bookstores-recommend-15-top-manga-for-2020/.156006|url-status=live}} Blue Lock won the 45th Kodansha Manga Award in the Shōnen manga}} category in 2021.{{cite web|last=Pineda|first=Rafael Antonio|title=45th Annual Kodansha Manga Awards' Nominees Announced|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-04-07/45th-annual-kodansha-manga-awards-nominees-announced/.171524|website=Anime News Network|access-date=April 7, 2021|date=April 7, 2021|archive-date=August 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801210724/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-04-07/45th-annual-kodansha-manga-awards-nominees-announced/.171524|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Mateo|first=Alex|title=45th Annual Kodansha Manga Awards' Winners Announced|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-05-13/45th-annual-kodansha-manga-awards-winners-announced/.172752|website=Anime News Network|access-date=May 13, 2021|date=May 13, 2021|archive-date=May 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521211103/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-05-13/45th-annual-kodansha-manga-awards-winners-announced/.172752|url-status=live}} In 2022, the series was nominated for a Harvey Award in the Best Manga category,{{Cite web|last=Hazra|first=Adriana|date=August 14, 2022|title=Harvey Awards Nominate Blood on The Tracks, Blue Lock, Cat + Gamer, Chainsaw Man, Red Flowers, Spy x Family|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-08-14/harvey-awards-nominate-blood-on-the-tracks-blue-lock-cat-gamer-chainsaw-man-red-flowers-spy-x-family/.188634|access-date=October 2, 2022|website=Anime News Network|archive-date=October 2, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221002084404/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-08-14/harvey-awards-nominate-blood-on-the-tracks-blue-lock-cat-gamer-chainsaw-man-red-flowers-spy-x-family/.188634|url-status=live}} and the Youth Selection category at the 49th Angoulême International Comics Festival.{{Cite web|title=49th Edition : Youth Selections|url=https://www.bdangouleme.com/selections-officielles-2022/69|access-date=December 20, 2023|publisher=Angoulême International Comics Festival|archive-date=December 20, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231220175347/https://www.bdangouleme.com/selections-officielles-2022/69|url-status=live}}

Rebecca Silverman of Anime News Network, in her review of the series' first two volumes, called the "dystopian sports" concept something that makes it stand out among other sports series; however, she said that it is so "blatantly absurd that it doesn't entirely work". Silverman praised its art, noting Tite Kubo's overtones, and concluded that while the first two volumes are not perfect, there is enough going to make her want to read more.{{cite web|last=Silverman|first=Rebecca|title=Blue Lock GN 1 & 2 - Review|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/blue-lock/gn-1/.172143|website=Anime News Network|access-date=May 1, 2021|date=May 1, 2021|archive-date=May 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210501160020/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/blue-lock/gn-1/.172143|url-status=live}}

= Anime =

Bamboo Dong of Anime News Network described the first half of the first season, saying that while the superhuman abilities provide a good chuckle, the characters also go a long way in broadening the series' appeal for anime fans who didn't know or care about soccer. Dong praised the action scenes, noting that these plays are a "genuine thrill to watch", although she felt there are times when the consistency and quality dip. Nonetheless, she concluded that "Blue Lock is a really good time, especially if they have a high tolerance for camp and absurdity. [...] Action fans will enjoy the strategy sessions and head-to-head showdowns, while soccer fans will enjoy the impassioned and mildly angry love story to the sport, like armchair quarterbacking brought to life."{{cite web|last=Dong|first=Bamboo|title=Bluelock BD+DVD - Season 1 Part 1 Anime Series Review|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/bluelock/bd-dvd-season-1/.206502|website=Anime News Network|access-date=February 16, 2024|date=January 22, 2024|archive-date=January 28, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128183406/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/bluelock/bd-dvd-season-1/.206502|url-status=live}}

Writing for The O'Colly, Baylor Bryant praised its dynamics in games, calling them both "strong" and "compelling." Baylor wrote that Blue Lock has flaws and is still a sports anime, while its climactic moments are still just soccer matches. However, the games are interesting, filled with their own storylines, and each match showcases new and unique strikers with their own style and narrative they bring to the story. The writer described the animation, noting that "it has moments, but with players moving around the field playing a game of soccer, it's not always clean and crisp." Nevertheless, despite its limitations, the anime was more enjoyable for viewers who wanted more comedy and avoided reading the manga.{{cite web|last=Bryant|first=Baylor|title='Blue Lock' review: Season one sets a high bar for sports anime|url=https://www.ocolly.com/lifestyle/blue-lock-review-season-one-sets-a-high-bar-for-sports-anime/article_8bddc8c4-ce91-11ed-a32a-1ba800c04df5.html|website=The O'Colly|access-date=February 16, 2024|date=March 29, 2023|archive-date=February 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216061016/https://www.ocolly.com/lifestyle/blue-lock-review-season-one-sets-a-high-bar-for-sports-anime/article_8bddc8c4-ce91-11ed-a32a-1ba800c04df5.html|url-status=live}}

Rafael Motamayor of IGN compared the show to 2021's Squid Game while describing it as "a fairly typical sports anime." Rafael said that the anime does have some interesting things to say about sports, their competitiveness, and what it means to be a great athlete. The animation was criticized, saying that the use of 3D computer animation, and particularly the back-and-forth between CG and traditional 2D animation, became "jarring" to watch compared to Haikyu!!, which is full of fluid movements. However, he concluded that it compensates for uneven CG with striking keyframes and fantastic use of visual metaphors.{{cite web|last=Motamayor|first=Rafael|title=Blue Lock Season 1 Review|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/blue-lock-season-1-review|website=IGN|access-date=February 16, 2024|date=March 31, 2023|archive-date=September 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230922025159/https://www.ign.com/articles/blue-lock-season-1-review|url-status=live}}

In 2023, Blue Lock won the New Face Award at the Japan Character Awards by Japan's Character Brand Licensing Association (CBLA).{{cite web|script-title=ja:2023年6月28日 2022年の最高のキャラクターがついに決定!!|url=http://www.charabiz.com/award/news/20230622.html|website=charabiz.com|access-date=February 16, 2024|date=June 22, 2023|language=ja|archive-date=July 12, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230712032418/http://www.charabiz.com/award/news/20230622.html|url-status=live}} The series ranked second behind Oshi no Ko in the anime category of the Yahoo! Japan Search Awards, based on the number of searches for a particular term compared to the year before.{{cite web|script-title=ja:Yahoo!検索大賞アニメ1位は「【推しの子】」「君たちはどう生きるか」や宮野真守も|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/551747|website=Comic Natalie|publisher=Natasha, Inc|access-date=February 16, 2024|date=December 5, 2023|language=ja|archive-date=December 4, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231204225310/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/551747|url-status=live}} In 2025, three international voice actors were nominated in the Best Voice Artist Performance category at the 9th Crunchyroll Anime Awards: Julien Chaaya (Yoichi Isagi) and Mohammed Sami (Rin Itoshi) in Arabic, and Ranjit R Tiwari (also as Isagi) in Hindi.{{cite web|last=Cayanan|first=Joanna|title=All the Winners of the Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2025|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2025-05-25/all-the-winners-of-the-crunchyroll-anime-awards-2025/.224777|website=Anime News Network|access-date=May 25, 2025|date=May 25, 2025|archive-date=May 25, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250525114635/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2025-05-25/all-the-winners-of-the-crunchyroll-anime-awards-2025/.224777|url-status=live}}

The second season however received backlash for its drop in animation quality.{{cite web|last=Sayyed|first=Rayan|title=Why Blue Lock Season 2's Animation Falls Short|url=https://in.ign.com/blue-lock/218506/news/why-blue-lock-season-2s-animation-falls-short|website=IGN India|access-date=November 7, 2024|date=October 30, 2024|archive-date=November 10, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241110052031/https://in.ign.com/blue-lock/218506/news/why-blue-lock-season-2s-animation-falls-short|url-status=live}}

Notes

References

External links

{{Official website|https://pocket.shonenmagazine.com/episode/10834108156632602988|Official manga website at Pocket Shōnen Magazine}} {{in lang|ja}}
{{Official website|https://tv.bluelock-pr.com/|Official anime website}} {{in lang|ja}}
{{Anime News Network|manga|24342}}

Category:2024 anime films

Category:Anime series based on manga

Category:Association football in anime and manga

Category:Crunchyroll anime

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Category:Kodansha manga

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Category:NUMAnimation

Category:Shōnen manga

Category:Thriller anime and manga

Category:TV Asahi original programming

Category:Winner of Kodansha Manga Award (Shōnen)