All Blue Lock Chains, Explained – What is the Meaning of Each Character’s Chain

As all Blue Lock fans know, none of the symbolisms featured in the series is more poignant than the chains featured on the majority of its covers. But what do the chains represent? And going further in, what is the meaning behind each individual one? Now, for all the egoists out there, here are all Blue Lock chains, explained.

• Be advised, this article features heavy spoilers regarding the events featured in the Blue Lock manga.

Blue Lock: What Do The Chains Represent?

Although no definitive explanation was given by the author regarding the exact meaning of the chains seen in the Blue Lock volume covers, the consensus among the series’ community is that they although a reference to the project’s prison-like theme, represent either each player’s ego, their relation to the Blue Lock project’s ideology, or their feelings towards Japanese Football all-together.

In our case, we believe that although the chains were made to simply represent and work as a brandable feature for the series at first, they can be seen (especially the ones featured in the newer covers) as a representation of the ego which binds its wearer. In some cases, they can also represent/highlight either set aspects of their personality or their connection to the Blue Lock project.

Related: Blue Lock Manga Release Date Schedule 2023: When You Can Expect New Chapters

What is the Meaning of Each Character’s Chain

As in our opinion many of the chains seem to have similar meanings, we decided to analyze them in two groups: Ego and the players part of the Blue Lock project since the start and those outside of it (Sae, Aiku, Kaiser, and Ness).

Starting with everyone’s favorite group of dysfunctional egoists, and their just as dysfunctional leader, Ego’s chains seem to represent his own ego and how his goal consumes him. The ones worn by the Blue Lock players, in their majority, seem to only represent their connection to the project at that moment.

But wait, in their majority? Yes, since a few players have a few peculiarities in either their chains or in how they are represented (Kunigami and Hiori). So let’s take a look at them individually:

• Rensuke Kunigami (seen on the cover of Volume 4): Although unusual at first sight, the fact that Kunigami’s chain is lighting up can be an early sign of the change he would undergo later in the series.
• Yo Hiori (seen on the cover of Volume 24): Both the size of Hiori’s chain, as well as the fact that he is holding it fully may symbolize the size of his ego at that moment as well as the fact that, unlike the other Blue Lock players featured in the covers, he is not driven by and instead has full control over it.

Now that the Blue Lock players are dealt with, here’s the possible meaning for the chains of Itoshi Sae, Oliver Aiku, Michael Kaiser, and Alexis Ness.

• Itoshi Sae (seen on the cover of Volume 17): On the cover, it is possible to see his golden chain (a representation of his status as the biggest Japanese talent of his generation we believe) either slowly deteriorating from its once-perfect state or in a decaying but stable state. This can represent the way he found purpose as an attacking midfielder and the way that in order for him to find it, he had to abandon his previous dream.
• Oliver Aiku (seen on the cover of Volume 16): Aiku’s chain seems to represent how he managed to hold on to his ego while having his individuality tripled over by those controlling the country’s football. That can be seen both in him holding on to his chain, as well as in the cracks featured in it. Overall, his chains represent how his ego was almost broken before he found a purpose as a defender on his own.
• Alexis Ness (seen on the cover of Volume 21): Although the blue roses and the vines in his chain may be a clear representation of his adoration towards Kaiser, they might also represent how his own Ego is tied to the German striker.
• Michael Kaiser (seen on the cover of Volume 19): Kaizer’s translucent chain may be directly related to his superiority complex. Thus, it may indicate that his Ego is currently fragile and thus dependent on his beliefs that he, and he alone, is above all on the pitch.

Where to Read Blue Lock Officially

Unfortunately, there is currently no way to read the newest Blue Lock chapters in English officially. With that said, the series is indeed being serialized in English. You can currently purchase the English version of the series’ first 19 volumes through Kodansha’s website, as well as through official retailers.