Blue Lock season 2 pays the perfect homage to Zlatan Ibrahimović with Shidou's goal

Modified Dec 15, 2024 13:00 GMT

Blue Lock season 2 pays the perfect homage to Zlatan Ibrahimović with Shidou's goal (Image via 8bit and Instagram/@iamzlatanibrahimovic)

Blue Lock season 2 episode 11 was released on December 14, 2024, and Shidou's goal seemingly took over the internet, largely due to the improvisation of the U-20 Japan player. The player scoring from the middle of the field was an incredible feat. However, it might not be entirely 'unbelievable' considering that another player has already scored a similar goal.

In the final minutes of the England vs Sweden match, a player from the latter team scored a goal from the middle of the field that couldn't be blocked by a horde of defenders. This goal was made by the football sensation Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Given the wild nature of both players, it is possible that the Swedish footballer served as an inspiration for Shidou.

Disclaimer: Any opinions expressed in this article solely belong to the author.

Blue Lock season 2: Exploring the inspiration behind Shidou's goal

After getting bested by Reo, Blue Lock season 2 episode 11 saw Shidou thinking about his freedom and how he could utilize it to score a goal during such crucial times. Fortunately, he had Itoshi Sae by his side, who delivered a pass and gave Shidou a chance to grab a free ball. However, Gagamaru left the penalty box and made a save using his head.

While Gagamaru was making a save, Shidou could still feel a goal. He activated his soccer cells and executed a bicycle kick, landing the ball directly in the net. Shidou titled this move as the 'Big Bang Drive.' While fans might view this goal as 'unrealistic,' a player in reality has scored a similar goal with more obstacles.

Expand Tweet

In 2012, during a friendly match between England and Sweden, the scoreline was 3-2 in favor of Sweden as the match approached its final minutes. England was desperate for an equalizer when the ball landed at the feet of Sweden's star player, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, almost standing in the middle of the field.

Taking a risk, the player made a bicycle kick that three defenders couldn't stop, leading to Sweden's victory with a final score of 4-2. Zlatan's goal against England was later awarded the FIFA Puskas Award 2013 (best goal of the year).

Reaction from the fans

Shidou's goal as seen in the anime (Image via 8bit)

Some anime fans who are familiar with football claimed they recognized at first sight that Zlatan's Puskas Award-winning goal was the inspiration behind Shidou's goal. Additionally, another fan expressed gratitude that viewers still remembered the masterclass of Swedish footballer, which was relived through Blue Lock season 2.

On the other hand, some fans took this opportunity to appreciate the animation of Shidou's bicycle goal (something that has become a rarity in the series). While some fans hoped that Studio 8bit would maintain this animation quality for the future of Blue Lock season 2, others suggested that Shidou had become a favorite of the studio's animation team, given the amazing animation of his Big Bang Drive.

"As soon as I saw the move I knew it was a copy of Ibrahimovic vs England," a fan said.

"Ughh I’m so glad we all had the same thought of Shidou being Zlatan-coded," another fan said.

"Pls let them keep this quality for Rin vs the entire U-20 team and Sae," another one commented.

"Shidou def is the animators favorite," another one claimed.

Final thoughts

Expand Tweet

As already stated, Shidou's character might be inspired by the Swedish football legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Both players have bold personalities and play a similar style of football, seizing every opportunity to score. Therefore, in the future, fans could expect similar goals from the U-20 Japan player.

Related Links

Edited by Shubham Soni