Is Blue Lock's Gagamaru based on a real-life football player? Explored

Gagamaru from Blue Lock is one of the most versatile players in the series capable of playing at two different positions. While a real inspiration has not been revealed for who Gagamaru is based on, some safe guesses can be made on the player's appearances and gameplay.

Based on appearances, Gagamaru does resemble his favorite real-life player. However, based on his gameplay and position on the field, he resembles the football legend, René Higuita, nicknamed El Loco. Just like Gagamaru, El Loco was a player who was an amazing goalkeeper and was also able to sprint the entire field like a bonafide striker.

Disclaimer: This article contains potential spoilers from the Blue Lock manga series and has the author's opinion.

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Gin Gagamaru's real-life inspiration

Gareth Bale as seen in his Real Madrid Jersey (Image via Instagram)

No official inspiration has been revealed about who Gagamaru is based on. However, as revealed in the official Egoist Bible, Gagamaru's favorite football player is the former Real Madrid Gareth Bale who retired in 2023. Based on appearance, Gagamaru resembles his real-life inspiration as both of them have a similar hairstyle.

Moreover, their gameplay is also similar as both of them display agility on the field and have a pace worth appreciation, which is expected from a winger. However, as Bale has never played as a goalkeeper in his entire career, he couldn't be the inspiration for Gagamaru.

The real-life inspiration for Gagamaru could be Columbian legend José René Higuita Zapata. Higuita was nicknamed El Loco, which, in English, means 'the madman.' This was due to the Columbian footballer's gameplay on the field, the prime example of which is his scorpion kick goal-saving technique (the same technique that Gagamaru used to try for a smooth goal).

Just like Gagamaru, Higuita was also a striker-goalkeeper. Moreover, Higuita also had long hair just like the Blue Lock player, which could mean that he was the real inspiration behind Gagamaru.

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Gagamaru's abilities and skills in Blue Lock, explained

Gagamaru's role as a goalkeeper (Image via Kodansha)

Gin Gagamaru is a part of the first set of players who participated in the Blue-Lock program after Japan's World Cup defeat. Gagamaru started his Blue-Lock career as an attacker and showcased his quick reflexes and the ability to take charge in dire situations. Due to these reasons, he was selected as a goalkeeper by Ego Jinpachi before the Blue-Lock team had their match against Japan's U-20 team.

Although he is an entitled 'goalkeeper,' he could be considered more of a goal-poacher. A goal-poacher is someone who takes the slightest opportunity on the field and runs toward the goal for a possible scoring opportunity. Moreover, as mentioned before, his extraordinary reflexes made him an amazing wall for the U-20 Blue-Lock team.

After the U-20 match, Gagamaru continued his career as a goalkeeper without any complaints and became a starter goalkeeper for Germany's Bastard Munchen. Although he has yet to make a spotlight performance in his club, he is still one of the best goalkeepers in the series.

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