Blue Lock chapter 307 reveals Sae Itoshi's rival in the series

Bunny as seen in the Blue Lock manga
Bunny as seen in the Blue Lock manga (Image credit: Kodansha)

Blue Lock features several intense rivalries that bring out both the best and worst in individuals. Sae Itoshi, in particular, has a mysterious opponent in the series who once broke his spirit and forced him to switch positions. Given the immense impact this enigmatic figure has had on Japan's top player, fans have eagerly been awaiting his introduction.

Blue Lock chapter 307 suggests that Bunny Iglesias is the rival who forced Sae Itoshi to abandon his dream of becoming the world's best striker, pushing him into becoming a midfielder.

When Sae and Rin were children, the older brother was a prodigious striker who dreamed of conquering the world. He took the first steps towards achieving his dream after getting scouted to play for Re Al's youth team in Spain, competing at the international level. Unfortunately, Sae was soon hit with the harsh reality, as his skills were outshone by his peers.

Sae as seen in the Blue Lock manga (Image credit: Kodansha)
Sae as seen in the Blue Lock manga (Image credit: Kodansha)

Blue Lock never explained Sae's difficulties in Spain in detail, but most fans assumed that he had encountered foreign strikers of a different calibre. Many had also gathered that Leonardo Luna, Re Al's striker, was the one who embarrassed Sae Itoshi and made him give up his dream.

However, Blue Lock chapter 307 introduces an alternate rival who most likely could have been the reason behind Sae's switch to a midfielder. The latest installment introduces Bunny Iglesias, a member of the World Generation 11 who plays for Barcha. He is a prodigious striker who can perfectly link up with Lavinho and defeat world-class opponents.

At the end of the chapter, an intense panel depicts Sae Itoshi looking on with both anger and sadness at Bunny through a TV screen. This was an expression unlike anything fans had seen from the usually nonchalant player, suggesting that he may share a tragic history with Bunny Iglesias.


How Bunny Iglesias being Sae Itoshi's rival in Blue Lock would make perfect sense

Bunny Iglesias being Sae Itoshi's rival would be consistent with both the manga’s story as well as real life. Firstly, Bunny plays for Barcha while Sae plays for Re Al. These are inspired by Barcelona and Real Madrid, the biggest rivalry in world football. Their El Clasico matches generate immense buzz, pitting the two passionate fan bases against each other.

Bunny and Sae’s relationship may seek to represent their respective clubs, and the two likely faced each other multiple times in their youth teams. Sae could have been overwhelmed by his opponent's superior technique and jumping power at this point.

Most notably, Bunny has mentioned his dislike for joyful people, stating how it makes him want to die. Sae was a noticeably happier child before heading out to Spain, after which he became colder. This may have been caused by Bunny's words, which would have struck him deep in his heart.

Extreme fan theories suggest that Sae may have been the one to attack Bunny's face, too, after his emotions exploded, leaving two scars. While there is not much tangible evidence at this stage to make guaranteed statements regarding Sae and Bunny's relationship, the two likely have a dramatic past, which may lead to the series’ most exciting rivalry.

Edited by Amey Mirashi