Is Michael Kaiser Isagi’s True Rival in Blue Lock? Explored

Is Michael Kaiser Isagi’s True Rival in Blue Lock? Explored

Ever since the Neo-Egoist League began, Isagi Yoichi has had his eyes on the talented soccer player, Michael Kaiser, who is known to be one of the strongest players in Blue Lock. As Isagi started to showcase his own skills with the ball, Kaiser also became intrigued by him and the two players pushed each other to be the best, despite being on the same team.

Although Isagi changes his rival in each arc based on the dominant ego around him, it can be argued that Kaiser is his ultimate rival in the series. While Isagi has had numerous rivals in past arcs, such as Barou, Nagi, and Rin, he has maintained a longer rivalry with Kaiser. Therefore, it can be concluded that Kaiser is Isagi’s true rival.

This article contains the author’s opinion and may contain potential spoilers from the Blue Lock manga series.

Why Is Michael Kaiser Considered Isagi’s True Rival?

Kaiser as seen in the manga (Image via Kodansha)
Kaiser as seen in the manga (Image via Kodansha)

During their time in the Neo-Egoist League, Kaiser and Isagi were brought together as teammates for Bastard Munchen. At the beginning of the league, Isagi was not well-regarded by Michael Kaiser due to his struggles with adjusting to the unfamiliar surroundings.

However, things quickly shifted as Isagi’s performance began to outshine Kaiser’s, leaving Kaiser unable to keep up. This marked the beginning of their fierce rivalry, with Kaiser determined to defeat Isagi through his gameplay while Isagi saw Kaiser as a challenge he needed to overcome.

Isagi as seen in the anime (Image via 8bit)
Isagi as seen in the anime (Image via 8bit)

Despite enrolling in the Blue Lock program, Isagi has always faced fierce competition from the strongest players. Throughout the selection arcs, he was locked in a heated rivalry with Barou Shoei, who was determined to eliminate anyone who stood in his way of becoming the king.

In addition, throughout the selection arc, Isagi once again faced a rivalry with Itoshi Rin. However, all of these rivalries were either short-lived or disrupted. On the contrary, the ongoing rivalry between Isagi and Kaiser spanning over 100 chapters solidifies Kaiser as Isagi Yoichi’s true rival in Blue Lock.

Who is Michael Kaiser in Blue Lock?

Kaiser as seen in the manga (Image via Kodansha)
Kaiser as seen in the manga (Image via Kodansha)

Michael Kaiser, a young German soccer player, is renowned for his exceptional skills as a striker. He has the appearance of a typical European man, with blonde hair and blue highlights at the tips. Additionally, he sports a striking blue rose tattoo that stretches from his neck to his left arm, further adding to his unique persona.

Despite usually being calm and collected, Kaiser’s desire to become the number one player in the world leads him to have a very arrogant personality, causing him to want to crush anyone who stands in his way. With the arrival of Isagi Yoichi, Kaiser’s frustration with Isagi’s performance is frequently evident.

Who is the inspiration for Michael Kaiser?

The name ‘Kaiser’ is derived from the German word for ‘Emperor’, while ‘Michael’ means ‘gift from God’. This signifies that Kaiser is expected to be an exceptional player. Although there is no specific player that the character of Kaiser is modeled after, many fans believe that the renowned German player Franz Beckenbauer serves as the inspiration behind Kaiser.

Franz Beckenbauer, also known as ‘der Kaiser,’ was renowned as one of the greatest soccer players in history. He was hailed for his versatility on the field, particularly in the defense area, where he excelled as a full central defender. His nickname, ‘der Kaiser,’ served as an inspiration for his exceptional skills and prowess in the sport.

Michael Kaiser’s backstory

Kaiser and his father as seen in the manga (Image via Kodansha)
Kaiser and his father as seen in the manga (Image via Kodansha)

After Kaiser was born, his mother left his family to be with a wealthy director. As she gained fame, the living conditions for Kaiser and his father deteriorated. Kaiser was forced to steal basic essentials for his father, and if he failed, he would be subjected to his father’s wrath.

On his 12th birthday, Kaiser treated himself to a soccer ball. He quickly formed a bond with the ball, as it did not hold any grudges against him, and he also developed a love for the sport. However, this happiness was short-lived as Kaiser was wrongly accused of participating in a robbery, resulting in the police showing up at his house.

Kaiser's abusive father as seen in the manga (Image via Kodansha)
Kaiser’s abusive father as seen in the manga (Image via Kodansha)

Upon finding a safe filled with money hidden under Kaiser’s bed, Kaiser’s father became enraged and threatened to harm his own son. As the police intervened and escorted the father away, he attempted to destroy Kaiser’s prized possession, his soccer ball. In a desperate attempt to preserve the one thing he cherished, Kaiser kicked his father and managed to flee.

Eventually, he was apprehended and confined to a cell. During his time in the cell, he received a visit from Ray Dark, the current president of PIFA, who presented him with the opportunity to start a new life as a renowned soccer player. Kaiser accepted and became a member of the Bastard Munchen, marking the beginning of his journey.

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