Konami’s eFootball has engaged in several anime partnerships previously, including collaborations with Blue Lock, Captain Tsubasa, and Yu-Gi-Oh!. However, its newest Naruto Shippuden collaboration trailer features renowned footballers like Neymar Jr., Takefusa Kubo, and others mimicking stances and maneuvers inspired by Masashi Kishimoto’s celebrated ninja series. These gestures may not appear in gameplay due to their unsportsmanlike nature, but they will adorn the special edition cards that players can obtain (or purchase) during the event.
As far as crossover trailers go, this one is notably lengthy and packed with production value, making it a must-watch even for those not invested in eFootball. Despite its potentially cringe-worthy moments, there’s a certain charm in witnessing players clad in Naruto-inspired attire against striking CGI. The Mangekyo Sharingan effect on Itachi/Luka Modrić, along with the massive renders of Kurama and Sasuke’s Susanoo, stand out. It leaves one pondering how Konami managed to tap into so many athletes’ inner ninja (or whether all of them are secretly Naruto enthusiasts).
In contrast, the Blue Lock and Captain Tsubasa partnerships kept players in their natural athletic roles, given that both series revolve around football. The Yu-Gi-Oh! collaboration trailer, by comparison, solely stars Neymar Jr. as he prepares his cards while dressed as the Dark Magician. It’s worth noting that Neymar Jr. is an anime and manga enthusiast, even sporting a tattoo of Dragon Ball’s Goku on his lower back.
While some fans are delighted by the game’s anime nods, others believe Konami has ventured too far and lost its direction. Although the eFootball x Naruto Shippuden crossover campaign is scheduled to run from April 30 to May 14, this particular trailer is likely to linger in people’s memories long after the event concludes.
eFootball is available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4 and 5, Android, iOS, and Windows (Steam).
Mido