TV-Series
Description
Kazuma Niō is a character who appears in the second season of the anime, serving as a center-back for the Japan U-20 national team before participating in the Neo Egoist League. At 19 years old, he stands 184cm tall and has a mature, rugged appearance characterized by his slicked-back black hair and well-maintained facial hair around his chin and mouth, which makes him look older than his actual age. His physical build is athletic and solid, supported by a grip strength of 51kg and a shoe size of 30cm.
Born on April 14 in Kochi Prefecture, Niō comes from a large family that includes his parents, an older brother, and a younger sister. He began playing football at the age of four and developed into a right-footed defender whose playing style is defined by aggressive physical pressure and tenacious marking. Beyond football, Niō has a deep passion for boxing, considering it a path he would have pursued fully if not for his football career, and he maintains this interest through regular training.
Niō's personality is as forceful as his playing style. He proudly refers to himself by the nickname Doberman, reflecting his belief that once he locks onto a target whether in football, friendship, or romance he never lets go. He is direct, loud, and unafraid to show affection or anger, but he also acknowledges that his persistence can cross into being overly clingy, which he considers a personal flaw. He thrives on receiving open displays of liking from others but is noticeably sensitive to rejection, particularly from women. His off-field interests include listening to the music of Vaundy, eating rich ramen with extra garlic, and he admits to having a preference for smiles and well-toned figures.
In the story, Niō first proves his capability during the match between the U-20 team and the Blue Lock Eleven. He makes an immediate impact by shutting down Seishiro Nagi using his physical strength, preventing the talented forward from turning and creating plays. Throughout the match, he serves as a key pillar of the U-20 defense, applying constant pressure that disrupts the rhythm of the Blue Lock attackers. However, his aggressive style is turned against him when he confronts Rin Itoshi. As Rin enters a state of flow, he uses Niō's own momentum against him, executing a low tackle that sends Niō to the ground. This moment highlights the limits of relying solely on physical dominance against elite-level creativity.
Following this match and a two-week break, Niō is integrated into the Blue Lock project to compete in the Neo Egoist League. He chooses to play for the English team Manshine C, selecting a league known for valuing physical speed and power. During the league, his performances show consistent growth, earning him increasing salary valuations starting at 6 million after a match against France, rising to 10 million after facing Italy, and reaching 18 million by the end of the competition. Despite this personal progress, he ultimately finishes in 27th place overall, which results in his elimination from the Blue Lock project.
Niō's primary ability on the field is his dominant physique, with core strength being the essence of his defensive power. He specializes in quick, aggressive pressing that gets tight behind an attacker, using his body as a wall to prevent them from turning toward the goal. His signature move is the Doberman Charge, where he leverages his full core strength to shoulder charge an opponent and block their forward movement. His defensive archetype is that of a stopper, a player who relies on strength and man-marking, preferring to risk a foul rather than allow an opponent to pass. This aggressive, hunting style makes him a formidable presence in one-on-one duels, embodying his personal motto that once he bites, he never lets go.
Born on April 14 in Kochi Prefecture, Niō comes from a large family that includes his parents, an older brother, and a younger sister. He began playing football at the age of four and developed into a right-footed defender whose playing style is defined by aggressive physical pressure and tenacious marking. Beyond football, Niō has a deep passion for boxing, considering it a path he would have pursued fully if not for his football career, and he maintains this interest through regular training.
Niō's personality is as forceful as his playing style. He proudly refers to himself by the nickname Doberman, reflecting his belief that once he locks onto a target whether in football, friendship, or romance he never lets go. He is direct, loud, and unafraid to show affection or anger, but he also acknowledges that his persistence can cross into being overly clingy, which he considers a personal flaw. He thrives on receiving open displays of liking from others but is noticeably sensitive to rejection, particularly from women. His off-field interests include listening to the music of Vaundy, eating rich ramen with extra garlic, and he admits to having a preference for smiles and well-toned figures.
In the story, Niō first proves his capability during the match between the U-20 team and the Blue Lock Eleven. He makes an immediate impact by shutting down Seishiro Nagi using his physical strength, preventing the talented forward from turning and creating plays. Throughout the match, he serves as a key pillar of the U-20 defense, applying constant pressure that disrupts the rhythm of the Blue Lock attackers. However, his aggressive style is turned against him when he confronts Rin Itoshi. As Rin enters a state of flow, he uses Niō's own momentum against him, executing a low tackle that sends Niō to the ground. This moment highlights the limits of relying solely on physical dominance against elite-level creativity.
Following this match and a two-week break, Niō is integrated into the Blue Lock project to compete in the Neo Egoist League. He chooses to play for the English team Manshine C, selecting a league known for valuing physical speed and power. During the league, his performances show consistent growth, earning him increasing salary valuations starting at 6 million after a match against France, rising to 10 million after facing Italy, and reaching 18 million by the end of the competition. Despite this personal progress, he ultimately finishes in 27th place overall, which results in his elimination from the Blue Lock project.
Niō's primary ability on the field is his dominant physique, with core strength being the essence of his defensive power. He specializes in quick, aggressive pressing that gets tight behind an attacker, using his body as a wall to prevent them from turning toward the goal. His signature move is the Doberman Charge, where he leverages his full core strength to shoulder charge an opponent and block their forward movement. His defensive archetype is that of a stopper, a player who relies on strength and man-marking, preferring to risk a foul rather than allow an opponent to pass. This aggressive, hunting style makes him a formidable presence in one-on-one duels, embodying his personal motto that once he bites, he never lets go.