The highly popular BLUELOCK football manga franchise has announced a third anime season and its first-ever live-action film adaptation. These major revelations came during the “Blue Lock Egoist Festa 2025” event held on Sunday, September 28, 2025, thrilling fans worldwide.
Third Anime Season to Adapt Neo Egoist League Arc
The continuation of the BLUELOCK anime will bring the much-anticipated “Neo Egoist League” arc, also referred to as “Shin Eiyū Taisen” or “New Hero Wars,” to the screen. This arc is expected to introduce new international players who are even more intense than the Blue Lock team, according to manga illustrator Yusuke Nomura.
Studio Eight Bit, which produced the first two seasons, is expected to return for the third installment, continuing its work on the animated series. While a precise release date for the third season has not yet been confirmed, industry watchers anticipate it could premiere in late 2026 or early 2027, allowing for sufficient production time.
Key voice actors from previous seasons are expected to reprise their roles, with Mamoru Miyano officially joining the cast to voice the pivotal character Michael Kaiser in Season 3. The announcement follows the successful run of the second anime season, BLUELOCK vs. U-20 JAPAN, which aired from October to December 2024, and the Blue Lock The Movie -Episode Nagi- anime film that premiered in April 2024.
Original story creator Muneyuki Kaneshiro expressed his excitement for the confirmed third season, stating, “This marks a brand-new beginning for Isagi and for us as well! We’ll be creating this with full ego, eyes spinning, and tongues out, so get on your knees and wait for it!”.
Live-Action Film Set for Summer 2026 Release
In addition to the anime’s return, the BLUELOCK manga will receive its first live-action film adaptation, slated to premiere in Japan in Summer 2026. The timing is notable as it is intended to coincide with the FIFA World Cup.
The live-action film will be produced by CREDEUS, a studio recognized for its work on other major live-action adaptations such as the Kingdom and Golden Kamuy film series. CK Works is involved in executive production, and Toho will handle the distribution of the film across Japan.
This live-action project marks a significant expansion for the BLUELOCK universe into a new medium, building on previous stage play adaptations. Further details regarding the cast and production are expected to be revealed via the official series website and social media channels.
The Enduring Popularity of BLUELOCK
The announcements underscore the immense and ongoing popularity of the BLUELOCK franchise. The manga, written by Muneyuki Kaneshiro and illustrated by Yusuke Nomura, has become a global phenomenon, with over 45 million copies in circulation worldwide by March 2025.
BLUELOCK achieved a historic milestone in 2023 by becoming the best-selling manga series in Japan, outselling other prominent titles like Jujutsu Kaisen and One Piece. Its first anime season, which premiered in October 2022, garnered significant viewership on platforms like Crunchyroll, contributing to its widespread appeal and influence on sports culture. The series has been praised for its unique premise, intense competition, and compelling character development, resonating with both anime enthusiasts and sports fans alike.
