Ryō Ishizaki captains the struggling Nankatsu elementary soccer team before Tsubasa Ozora joins. Initially error-prone and technically limited, his defining traits are fierce determination and relentless effort. He becomes Tsubasa’s first Nankatsu friend, crucially influencing Tsubasa to reject Toho Academy’s scholarship and stay. Ishizaki’s cheerful, blunt personality offers comic relief but sparks frequent clashes with teammate Kazuo Urabe and girlfriend Yukari due to their similarly volatile tempers. Lacking flashy skills like powerful shots or dribbling, he compensates through sheer will and physical sacrifice. His iconic "Face Block" technique—risking injury to stop shots with his face—epitomizes his style. He famously uses it while unconscious during the World Youth finals to block a critical strike. His skills improve gradually. By high school, he captains Nankatsu High’s team, displaying leadership and tactical growth rivaling Hikaru Matsuyama. His overlapping runs and defense prove vital in tournaments like the Madrid Olympics. During the Junior Youth Arc, he secures a starting defender spot for Japan’s U-16 national team. He competes in the Paris International Junior Youth Tournament, contributing gutsy defensive plays against Italy, Argentina, France, and West Germany. Beyond the manga, Tecmo games expand his journey: he joins Japan’s Youth team for the World Youth Championship, develops a rivalry with American player Mihael, attends Nanbu University leading its football club to two championships, moves to Brazil for pro play, and returns to Japan for Nankatsu SC. The games introduce non-canon moves like the "Wild Monkey Buster" shot and "Wild Monkey Tackle," though his low shooting stats limit their effectiveness. Ishizaki’s persistence and loyalty drive his evolution from a clumsy player to a reliable national team defender, embodying hard work’s triumph over raw talent. His blood type is B, and his birthday falls on April 1.