Kodansha to partner with Concacaf for a nationwide Blue Lock-inspired online competition inviting fans and soccer players to show off their style, creativity, and EGO.
The Ultimate Egoist Collaboration: Kodansha x Concacaf Launch
Kodansha, the creative force behind iconic pop culture properties like Akira, The Ghost in the Shell, and Attack on Titan, is collaborating with the Confederation of North, Central America, and Caribbean Association Football (“Concacaf”) to officially “kick off” Blue Lock: Diamonds in the Rough.
The Intersection of Shonen Manga and Championship Soccer
Blue Lock: Diamonds in the Rough is a nationwide online competition inviting fans and soccer players alike across the U.S. to show off their style, creativity, and EGO. This mindset defines Blue Lock, Kodansha’s worldwide hit soccer-centric elimination game saga, created by writer Muneyuki Kaneshiro and illustrator Yusuke Nomura.
Why Kodansha and Concacaf are Teaming Up for 2026
Inspired by Blue Lock, the campaign brings the high-stakes world of the series off the page and onto the pitch. By bridging professional soccer and an internationally recognized manga, Kodansha and Concacaf are creating a unique space where two of the world’s most passionate fandoms can collide in novel ways.
How to Enter the Blue Lock “Diamonds in the Rough” Competition
Starting May 27th, fans aged 13 years old and older can submit soccer-inspired videos and photos through the Blue Lock: Diamonds in the Rough website for a chance to be crowned the Ultimate Striker.
To truly understand the ruthless, individualistic mentality required to catch the judges’ eyes in this tournament, you need to look at how the series handles its elite athletes. Read our full breakdown of these Unhinged High School Soccer Players in our Blue Lock S2 Ep 1 Review to see exactly what kind of raw “ego” you need to channel for your submission video.
Eligibility Rules and Age Requirements
How to Enter:
To enter, participants post their content on social media using #bluelockdiamonds and complete their submission by visiting www.bluelockdiamonds.com.
Fan voting on the website will determine which submissions advance to the semi-final round. The final winners will then be selected by a panel of judges. Winners will be announced live at Comic-Con in San Diego.
Beyond the Ultimate Striker Grand Prize, fans can compete across five additional categories:
- Just Like Blue Lock
- Best Use of Manga
- Best Fan Energy
- Best Cosplay (Group)
- Best Cosplay (Individual)
Related: If you are planning your summer convention schedule alongside the SDCC finals, don’t miss our exclusive coverage of the Kodansha House 2026: Immersive Pop-Up Debuts at Anime Expo, featuring special guest appearances and interactive exhibits for both Blue Lock and Witch Hat Atelier fans.
Exclusive Collaboration Merchandise Drop
With exclusive Blue Lock prizes and collectibles up for grabs across the board, weekly raffle prizes will also be awarded to registered Kodansha Reader Portal users throughout the campaign.
Visit the Kodansha Reader Portal.
The Blue Lock collaboration will also extend to new collectible items and events tied to the sports series’ world. Fans can visit select comic shops, bookstores, and Kinokuniya locations across the U.S. that will feature custom in-store installations, photo opportunities, and bonus gifts with purchase.
A limited-edition BLUE LOCK × Concacaf project, “Striker’s Collection”, will launch on Kickstarter and feature officially licensed collector pieces inspired by the intensity of the game and bold “ego” energy.
Visit the Kickstarter page.
Final Verdict: Are You Ready to Transform North American Soccer?
The BLUE LOCK × Concacaf collaborative project will culminate with the Blue Lock: Diamonds in the Rough Experience at Kodansha House Los Angeles, in the Little Tokyo neighborhood, from July 2nd to 12th. Fans can step into the world of Blue Lock and have the chance to meet the creators at Kodansha House and Anime Expo at the LA Convention Center from July 2nd to 5th.
From Blue Lock digital content and limited-edition merch collabs to live events in LA and beyond, Kodansha and Concacaf are bringing soccer fans, manga fans, and strikers-in-the-making together through competition, creativity, and the shared energy of the game.
For announcements and upcoming details on future events, follow Kodansha USA on their Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, and YouTube social media accounts.
Note: The information above was sourced from a press release.
🏮 Read More in Asian Spaces
- Pure Insanity – Blue Lock Ep 1 Review – New to the franchise through the Concacaf sports pipeline? Trace the project back to its explosive roots and see why the premiere completely redefined the sports genre.
- Netflix Spring 2026 Anime Slate: JoJo’s Steel Ball Run 2nd STAGE, Blue Box Season 2, and More – Once you’ve locked in your competition entry, keep your sports and shonen hype alive by checking out what else is dominating the streaming grids this season.
- Kinokuniya NYC is a Great Place to Experience Japanese Pop Culture – Want to score exclusive Blue Lock campaign merchandise and photo-ops in person? Find out why this iconic bookstore is the premier retail partner for local campaign drops and immersive installations.
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