Plot Armor Is Not The Only Factor Behind Yoichi Isagi’s Success In Blue Lock

Pavas Gagneja
5 days ago
3 min read

In sports anime, plot armor is often thrown around when a main character consistently wins in impossible scenarios. Yoichi Isagi from Blue Lock has faced his fair share of criticism in this regard. Critiques argue that Isagi’s rise through the cutthroat competition of Blue Lock is a product of plot armor. Rather than actual growth, the series shows favouritism toward him.

Isagi's progress is actually a result of focus, self-awareness, and a relentless drive to improve. The story intentionally puts obstacles in his path. However, it's his response to these challenges that makes him the rightful champion of Blue Lock.

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The Reality Behind "Plot Armor"

Plot armor is when a story protects a character from losing or dying, often without a good reason. In anime, people sometimes say this about Isagi in Blue Lock. It’s true that the story sometimes makes sure he stays in the game during the tough elimination rounds. But Isagi’s wins aren’t just lucky or random. He often comes very close to losing, and he survives because he thinks fast and finds a smart solution at the last moment.

Yoichi Isagi’s wins in Blue Lock make sense because they’re built up slowly, not handed to him for convenience. Every big moment — like guessing an opponent’s move or changing the way he plays is shown in advance through hints and his tough inner battles. Viewers get to see how he thinks, studies his mistakes, and learns from stronger players. This makes it clear why his so-called “lucky” moments happen, and it makes his victories feel earned and believable.

Determination And Relentless Adaptation

Isagi’s greatest strength is his determination. When he first joined Blue Lock, he wasn’t the strongest or most skilled, but he refused to stay average. Whenever he lost, got ignored, or was close to being eliminated, he came back even more focused. Also, his ability to see and work on his weaknesses made him a dangerous player.

Even now, Isagi watches his opponents closely, learns their moves, and isn’t afraid to admit his weaknesses. This results in his skill to adapt being a weapon, which then turns his past weaknesses into strengths. This kind of progress feels real because it comes from hard work and smart thinking, not just the story protecting him.

Strategic Evolution Over Raw Talent

Yoichi Isagi takes his first direct shot

Isagi is naturally gifted — not for his football skill, but for adapting to change. He wins by thinking ahead rather than just by being physically strong. In essence to that, his “egoist” approach is about playing a mental chess game on the field. Also, he’s always adjusting where he stands, how he moves, and how he works with others based on how the match is going.

Furthermore, his best moments come from calculated risks and critical teamwork. While Blue Lock is all about individual performance, rather than just focusing on himself, Isagi wins by finding his position in the flow of the match. He knows when to put his ego aside for the collective good. As a result, his ability to think several steps ahead and adapt quickly to changing circumstances is what leads to his growth.

Why Isagi Deserves To Lead

Isagi is the main character not because the story favors him, but because he’s earned it through hard work and growth. Fans see every step of his journey and the struggles behind what look like miracle plays. Unlike many shonen heroes who seem born to be great, Isagi builds his own path with effort, humility, and smart risks.

Even if plot armor is there, it only works because of Isagi’s determination. Blue Lock often puts him in danger of losing, being embarrassed, or fading into the background, and he moves forward only by using what he’s learned rather than by blind luck.