Blue Lock vs. U-20 Japan

The next phase of the controversial Blue Lock project is underway with the candidate pool being dwindled down to just 35. Out of the remaining strikers, only a select few will be chosen to play in an upcoming exhibition game against the current U-20 Japanese soccer team. Playing in this match comes with a caveat: winning will grant the players the right to represent the nation as the new U-20 team, but losing will bring an end to Blue Lock in its entirety. Among the ones left in the running is Yoichi Isagi, who is coming to terms with his own abilities.

To further complicate matters, the six best players in the pool have already been named to the starting lineup and the remaining 29 will have to duke it out to claim a coveted spot. Each candidate must select a top six pairing to team up with for the selection to prove their competence. But if this mishmash of strikers wants to overthrow the current U-20 team, they will need to find a way to combine their playstyles effectively.

[Written by MAL Rewrite]

Isagi, Yoichi Main

Ura, Kazuki Japanese

Itoshi, Rin Main

Uchiyama, Kouki Japanese

Bachira, Meguru Supporting

Kaito, Tasuku Japanese

Nagi, Seishirou Supporting

Shimazaki, Nobunaga Japanese

Chigiri, Hyouma Supporting

Saitou, Souma Japanese

Kaiser, Michael Supporting

Miyano, Mamoru Japanese

Barou, Shouei Supporting

Suwabe, Junichi Japanese

Shidou, Ryuusei Supporting

Nakamura, Yuuichi Japanese

Mikage, Reo Supporting

Uchida, Yuuma Japanese

Itoshi, Sae Supporting

Sakurai, Takahiro Japanese

Arisawa, Ryouya Producer

Nagahama, Hiroaki Producer

Iwata, Kouki Producer

Kosuge, Hidenori Producer

Reviews

Oct 31, 2025

Batmankoji

Recommended

Oh boy. What a mixture of emotions. Season started off lackluster, with the animation being so bad I dropped the show once put of disappointment. I picked it back up and it was all worth it for that banger of a last episode. I love Kagenashi style of animation and the final episode delivered. From my review on S1, you all know I love this show and even after the strange experience I had with S2, it still remains my favourite anime series.
The characters got more depth. Their lives also spiralled out of Blue Lock and onto the footballing world.
As to the question ... of others would like this show, I really cannot say. You may, you may not. But no one can not like the last episode.

Reviewer’s Rating: 10

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Dec 31, 2025

tchkrvlist

Mixed Feelings

Here's something that you probably heard a million times before but allow me to say it again: Episodes 1-8 of Season 2 is terrible. Most of the scenes were just static shots and the pacing was bland, since it’s just a slide show with occasional 3d model of characters doing movements for pretty much all of the First half of this season, it was below average at best. Bandai namco gives poor treatment to adaptations for a while now (their recent atrocity is one punch man S3) but, after episode 9, the animation quality of Blue Lock Season 2 improves drastically.

The core strengths of this ... season: As you're aware, Blue Lock is strong when it comes to the variety of characters, with each having their own moment to shine. Isagi might be the protagonist but, every other character has an equal footing with him, and in most cases, always above his ability and he has to 'solve the puzzles' and develop his skills to rival them. It's like a bunch of main characters are simultaneously in the story and you can root for whoever you want. Sae and Rin's relationship gets expanded more in the second half of this season. Rin and isagi rivalry gets more tension as well. Barou finally arrives on field and for me, his presence had been awaited for a long time. Shidou Ryusei lovers can rejoice, you'll have plenty of his antics on display. We also see a glimpse of the next arc, 'Neo egoist league' with a few new and returning characters. If you liked the Episode Nagi movie, then you will have more Nagi and Reo moments to look forward in this season.

the story cycle remains the same:
a problem arises -> isagi fallout -> other blue lock players respond to the problem -> isagi puzzles -> other blue lock members breakthrough -> enemy players follow suit -> isagi one-ups and delivers the final blow.
A predictable formula but it is still exciting to watch. If you dislike that, then to quote Ego-san "lock off".
Pardon me if this is rude but this series is not targeted for you. There are plenty of other sports anime which are better suited for your taste. For those who like seeing more of this story format, welcome. You'll definitely have fun with this season.

All that being said, i cannot possibly recommend season 2 to anyone; at least not from episode 1. If you watched Blue Lock season 1, read the manga from chapter 88 to chapter 122 and then, switch to Season 2 episode 9. Watch all the way to episode 14. You might ask "why the hell should i read the manga!! i came here to watch anime!!". You could watch Season 2 entirely if you want, its up to you. And this anime will reward you for it. I gave 6/10 for this season because of the poor quality in the first half. Considering the story developments, It would've been a 8/10 if it had good animation quality throughout the show. I'm not asking for 'movie level quality', I'm just asking for a consistent animation quality like season 1. We didn't get that here. Let's hope for Season 3 to deliver with all the good things of Season 1 and 2 combined... Which is quite unlikely, because of Bandai Namco's recent treatment of similar other shows but still.. a man can dream.

Reviewer’s Rating: 6

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Jan 15, 2026

AnimeciFurkan758

Not Recommended

From the comments I wrote, you can see how much I hated this anime's season 1—it was really bad and completely not my style, but here I am anyway.
Story:
Again the same thing but this time even worse. The first season at least felt a bit like the start of a new series, but this is a disaster. Why do they drag the same match out for so long? I'm asking the fans one question: Is ego really that great? How great is ego exactly? Ego is disgusting and it will stay that way.
A lot of people overhype this anime. This is not an anime that ... can enter the top 10 or be called the best sports anime.
Ratings:
Story: 2/10
Animation: 3/10 (how much more do you plan to ruin it?)
Art/Character design: 7/10 not terrible
Sound: 5/10
Enjoyment: 3.5/10
Still, I'll give this anime 4/10 overall.
Conclusion:
If you watched the first season and didn't like it, don't give it any more chances because it's bad. Even if you love football, the animation is genuinely terrible—it's no different from a PowerPoint presentation, this shouldn't even be called animation. You're probably going to reply to this comment saying it's confusing and funny, and try to brigade me, but I don't care. This anime built only on ego, football, and competition doesn't deserve these scores. It's overhyped and doesn't deserve to rank this high on MyAnimeList.

Reviewer’s Rating: 4

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	Poll: Blue Lock vs. U-20 Japan Episode 14 Discussion ( 1 2 3 4 5 ... Last Page ) IzanaSolos - Dec 28, 2024	374 replies	by Fortified327 »» Jan 6, 5:39 PM
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