Is Nagi Leaving Blue Lock? Everything You Need to Know

(Image credit: ©Studio 8bit)
There are many characters in Blue Lock that leave a lasting impression, but Seishiro Nagi stands in a league of his own. With his natural-born talent and effortless gameplay, Nagi quickly became a fan-favorite. But as the latest developments unfold in both the main manga and ‘Episode Nagi’ spin-off, the once unstoppable prodigy is now out of the program and fans everywhere are wondering the same thing: Will Nagi ever return to Blue Lock?
His shocking exit, the sudden ending of his spin-off, and the emotional undertones of recent chapters have only made the situation more intense. Let’s break it all down and explore whether Nagi’s story is truly over or if a powerful return is still in the cards.
The Unexpected Exit That Shook Blue Lock
The moment Nagi fell to 24th place in Blue Lock’s rankings, fans were left stunned. It wasn’t just the drop, it was the finality of it. In chapter 299, Nagi was officially eliminated from the program, something that no one truly expected for a character considered one of the most naturally gifted players in the story. His elimination wasn’t just about performance; it was about ego. Or rather, the lack of it.
According to Ego’s ideals, talent alone isn’t enough. Nagi, despite his effortless skills, lacked the hunger, the obsession, the burning ego to keep evolving. His exit was brutal, but deeply symbolic. It reflected exactly what Blue Lock stands for: survival of the most self-driven.
Things became even more confusing when ‘Blue Lock: Episode Nagi’, the spin-off manga focusing on his journey, was confirmed to be ending in Volume 8, releasing on August 12, 2025. With only a few chapters left and the story wrapping up just after the Second Selection Arc (ending at manga chapter 93), readers were left baffled: why end his personal arc now if he’s meant to come back later?
You can still catch up with the latest chapters of Blue Lock on Manga Reader, if you want to see how this turning point unfolds in real time.
Signs That Nagi Might Still Return
Despite the harsh reality painted by recent chapters, there are glimmers of hope that Nagi isn’t gone for good. For one, chapter 302 gave us a vulnerable and emotional Nagi, stripped of the ego he never really had, now realizing he wants to play soccer again. It mirrors Isagi’s own emotional breakdown at the start of Blue Lock, hinting at a reset. A rebirth.
Some fans speculate that Nagi may return after a time skip, perhaps just in time for the World Cup arc. That seems like a more meaningful return than simply re-entering the story right away. Others believe he might not even come back to Blue Lock at all. With international clubs already showing interest, it’s possible that Nagi could take his talents abroad, eventually crossing paths with Blue Lock’s U-20 team in a future international match.
There was even a popular theory that Ray Dark, who helped shape Kaiser and Lorenzo, might take Nagi under his wing next. If that happens, it could lead to one of the most insane comebacks in the series.
Why Nagi’s Exit Might Be Exactly What He Needed?
Here’s the truth! Nagi’s downfall might be the most necessary part of his journey. He’s always had Reo by his side, building plays and carrying his momentum. That safety net allowed Nagi to rely on talent alone without pushing his own limits. But once they were separated, Nagi collapsed. And that’s exactly what Blue Lock is trying to show.
This fall from grace is meant to force Nagi to evolve on his own. It’s not about being perfect from the start; it’s about transformation. Characters like Isagi didn’t start strong, they grew into monsters. Nagi needs to hit rock bottom to truly awaken his own ego, and that’s a compelling story worth telling.
That’s why Ego's refusal to bring Nagi back, even after pressure from Buratsuta (Chairman of the Japan Football Union) was so important. Ego isn’t about popularity or money. He’s about growth and survival. And for Nagi to grow, he needs to face this loss alone.
Will Nagi Show Up in the World Cup Arc?
With the World Cup arc now underway, it’s clear that the focus is shifting to the absolute best players Blue Lock has ever produced. And while Nagi just missed the cut, that doesn’t mean he’s out of the narrative entirely.
There’s still the possibility of him returning through a wild card scenario, or through another country if he holds dual nationality - a theory some fans floated but which has likely been debunked. What seems more likely is that he’ll be reshaped into something even more powerful, returning stronger, but not immediately.
One thing is certain: if Nagi does come back, it won’t be through favoritism or shortcuts. It will be earned. That’s the kind of writing that makes Blue Lock so unpredictable and emotionally gripping.
Also, speaking of major returns, if you're curious about whether the Blue Lock anime will have a Season 3, we’ve explored everything you need to know in our deep dive. Check it out right now!
What the End of ‘Episode Nagi’ Really Means?
Ending ‘Episode Nagi’ so abruptly left fans with more questions than answers. The spin-off, which was doing incredibly well, even with a successful movie adaptation, is ending long before Nagi’s story feels complete. That has fueled the speculation that something bigger is coming. Some believe that Blue Lock’s author, Muneyuki Kaneshiro, might just be pulling a long play, keeping us in suspense for Nagi’s eventual comeback.
Fans have made it clear: they don’t want a lazy return where Nagi simply gets slotted back into the U-20 team. What they want is real character growth. Real stakes. And a real reason for Nagi to rise again.
So, Will Nagi Return?
Right now, nothing is set in stone, but all signs point to a return, just not immediately. Nagi’s journey is far from over, even if he’s temporarily sidelined. The ending of Episode Nagi and his recent breakdown in the main manga are all setting the stage for something big.
Blue Lock doesn’t hand out victories. It breaks characters down and builds them back up into something greater. And for someone like Nagi, who has always coasted on talent, this is the start of something far more meaningful. If he returns, it’ll be because he finally found that ego burning inside him.
And when he does, it won’t just be a comeback. It’ll be a rebirth.