Who is Snuffy based on in Blue Lock? Explained

Modified Nov 19, 2024 09:30 GMT

Marc Snuffy (Image via Muneyuki Kaneshiro, Kodansha)

In the high-stakes world of Blue Lock, every character has been carefully crafted to represent a unique philosophy or style of football. Among the most enigmatic and impactful figures introduced in the series is Marc Snuffy. Professional Maltese forward who plays for Italy's Ubers, Snuffy is a mentor in the Neo Egoist League.

When first brought to the forefront, fans began to wonder - "Who is Snuffy based on in Blue Lock?". To answer, Marc Snuffy closely resembles and shares several qualities with former Swedish footballer Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Both players have a bit of an unorthodox style of play and are/have been known as one of the best in their position. Here's a closer look at the Ubers' mentor.

Snuffy's real-life inspiration

As mentioned, Marc Snuffy has been created to share similarities with former forward and Sweden legend, Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Their personalities, philosophies, and approaches to football draw fascinating parallels.

To begin with, Marc Snuffy and Zlatan Ibrahimovic ooze an indisputable charisma that commands respect. Snuffy’s calm, calculated, and authoritative demeanor places him as a natural leader among his players. Similarly, Zlatan's assertive and outspoken nature enables him to dominate on and off the field. Moreover, both exude a confident aura that is both self-motivational and inspirational to their team.

In Blue Lock, Snuffy’s approach to football is reflective of a deeply analytical mindset. His views on the game can be compared to chess, where he prioritizes strategy and adaptability. Elsewhere, Zlatan is popular for his creativity and unpredictability. He reads the game and makes instant decisions which has given fans some of football’s most unforgettable moments.

Moving further, Snuffy’s initial appearance and seemingly cold and shrewd ideology intimidate opponents. This is akin to Zlatan’s towering presence and imposing personality, whose confidence and directness got him both fear and admiration. These qualities align with Snuffy’s controlled yet commanding approach.

Finally, individual excellence with a team context defines both players. Snuffy's strategy is to construct his side by maximizing each player's unique skills while simultaneously maintaining collective cohesion. In the real world, Zlatan embodies individual brilliance, underscoring his own successes while recognizing team victories.

Snuffy's abilities in Blue Lock

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Snuffy has remarkable abilities in Blue Lock that have earned him the monikers of "Crown Messenger" and "Victory Wayfarer". Even Noel Noa acknowledged Snuffy to be the World's Best Playmaker. It is the core of Snuffy's playstyle that allows him to function as a forward while also effectively creating and linking up dangerous plays.

It closely takes inspiration from the Japanese martial art style known as Jujutsu. This bestowed upon Snuffy a great understanding of movement and physical contact. By cleverly integrating that understanding into his football skills, he was able to devise a world-class style of play. From whatever is shown in the manga, Snuffy's hold-up plays and ball-retention abilities are second to none.

Thanks to Jujutsu, Snuffy's physique has developed uniquely. Elements of the martial arts style are evident in the way he moves, displaying an almost uncanny sense of balance. Moreover, Snuffy also possesses Metavision. This he combines with his expert analytical mind, making him quite a dangerous opponent to play against. He supports his team with this skill as a "watchman".

As a forward, Snuffy possesses impressive technical ability, clinical finishing, and physical strength. These enable him to fulfill multiple roles. Such players can play in tandem with others, weave opportunities for themselves, finish off team moves, and retain ball possession when needed. They operate best when allowed to roam and play freely, restricted less tactical instruction, and able to fully utilize their versatility.