What happened to Itoshi sae ?| Blue lock theories

 


In the world of Blue Lock, few characters are as captivating and enigmatic as Itoshi Sae. A prodigious talent, a member of the prestigious New Generation 11, and a key player for one of the world's best clubs, Real Madrid, Sae is not only one of the most skilled players in the series but also one of the most mysterious.

His complex relationship with his younger brother, Itoshi Rin, and his drastic shift from aspiring to be the world’s best striker to becoming a midfielder, raises countless questions. Why did Sai give up his dream? What happened in Spain that changed him so deeply? And why does he push Rin away so harshly?

With the U20 World Cup on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to break down Sai’s story, exploring his character arc, motivations, and the critical events that shaped him into the player he is today.


1. The Introduction of Itoshi Sae: A Prodigy with a Dream

Itoshi Sai’s presence is felt early in Blue Lock, even before he makes his formal appearance. From the beginning, he is portrayed as a player who hates Japan's football culture and aims to rise above it. Titled as one of the New Generation 11, he represents Japan’s hope on the global stage, playing for Real Madrid—a testament to his world-class talent.

But Sai's character takes an intriguing turn when it's revealed that he is the older brother of Itoshi Rin, one of Blue Lock’s top strikers. Their relationship is strained, to say the least, with Rin harboring deep resentment towards Sai.

But why does Rin hate him so much?

The answer lies in their backstory, revealed during the Blue Lock vs U20 Japan match.


2. The Backstory: A Shared Dream and a Broken Bond

In their childhood, Sai was the first to discover football. He invited Rin to join him, and together they aspired to become the best striker duo in the world, holding the titles of number one and number two.

Sai’s talent earned him an invitation to Spain, where he began training with Real Madrid. However, after four years apart, the brothers reunite in Japan, and everything feels...off.

Sai, once an aspiring striker, had shifted his focus to becoming the best midfielder. Rin was furious, feeling betrayed that their shared dream had been abandoned. Their confrontation reached a breaking point when Sai coldly told Rin:

"Don’t use me as an excuse to play football."

These words cut deep, driving Rin to adopt a destructive, ego-driven playstyle. But why did Sai change so drastically in the first place?


3. The Turning Point: Why Did Sai Abandon His Dream of Being a Striker?

Sai’s transformation begins during his time in Spain. In a key flashback moment, Sai says something revealing:

"The world is huge, and there are players way better than me."

This suggests that during his time overseas, Sai faced players whose raw talent far exceeded his own. Among these possible players could be someone like Leonardo Luna from World Five—a disrespectful, ultra-talented striker known for crushing the dreams of rising players.

But there’s a catch—Luna is significantly older, making it unlikely he played directly against Sai.

Regardless of the exact opponent, the core realization remains: Sai learned that no matter how hard he worked, there would always be naturally gifted players (Geniuses) who would surpass him.


4. Talented Learner vs Genius: Sai’s Realization

The recent chapters of Blue Lock introduced the concept of Geniuses vs Talented Learners:

  • Geniuses: Naturally gifted players who excel with raw talent (e.g., Loki).
  • Talented Learners: Players who rely on logic, analysis, and calculated decision-making (e.g., Isagi).

Sai fits firmly into the Talented Learner category. His calculated, efficient playstyle aligns perfectly with this archetype.

When Sai realized that Geniuses would always have an edge over Talented Learners in the striker position, he made a logical decision:

  • As a striker, he couldn’t become the world’s best because he wasn’t a Genius.
  • But as a midfielder, his Talented Learner attributes would allow him to excel.

This shift wasn’t about giving up—it was about adapting to reality while staying true to his goal of being the best player in the world.


5. Sai’s True Goal: Becoming Number One

Sai’s ambition has always been crystal clear: to become the best in the world.

During the U20 match, when confronting Sendo, Sai bluntly states that his only goal is to be number one. This ambition is deeply ingrained in his character, and his switch to midfield wasn’t about settling—it was about finding the optimal path to his dream.

In midfield, Sai could maximize his talents as a Talented Learner, awakening the potential of Genius players around him, such as Shidou Ryusei.

This is Sai’s ultimate strategy: supporting Geniuses to reach their full potential while claiming his spot as the best midfielder in the world.


6. Why Did Sai Shut Out Rin? The Tough Love Theory

The final mystery surrounding Sai is why he shut out Rin.

The answer lies in Sai’s understanding of Rin’s potential. During their childhood and even in the U20 match, Sai recognized that Rin is a Genius—something Sai himself could never be.

When Sai told Rin to pursue his dream without him, it wasn’t out of malice but out of tough love. Sai knew Rin had the potential to become the world’s best striker, but Rin needed motivation to reach that potential.

By pushing Rin away, Sai created a rival, an enemy, and—most importantly—a reason for Rin to keep playing football.

Sai’s harsh words and actions weren’t rejection—they were a calculated attempt to preserve Rin’s ego and drive him to greatness.


7. Conclusion: The Genius of Itoshi Sai

Itoshi Sai is one of Blue Lock’s most layered characters. His decision to become a midfielder wasn’t a sign of weakness but a calculated choice driven by self-awareness, logic, and an unyielding ambition to be the best.

His treatment of Rin, while harsh, was ultimately an act of tough love, designed to push his brother to greatness.

As the U20 World Cup looms, Sai remains one of the most compelling figures in Blue Lock, and his future holds endless possibilities.

Will Sai return to Japan? Will he and Rin ever reconcile? And most importantly—will Sai achieve his goal of becoming the world’s best midfielder?

One thing is certain: Itoshi Sai’s story is far from over, and we can’t wait to see what’s next.

What are your thoughts on Itoshi Sai’s character arc? Do you think his actions were justified? Let us know in the comments below!

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