Why does Rin hate Sae?

Why does Rin hate Sae? The answer lies in a devastating betrayal that shattered Rin Itoshi's dreams and transformed their brotherly bond into bitter rivalry in Blue Lock.

The Brothers' Shared Dream

Rin and Sae Itoshi once shared an unbreakable bond centered around their mutual dream of becoming the world's best striker duo. As children, they trained together relentlessly, with Sae serving as both mentor and inspiration to his younger brother. Rin idolized Sae completely, viewing him as the perfect older brother and soccer player.

The Crushing Betrayal

Everything changed when Sae returned from Spain's youth academy. Instead of the supportive brother Rin remembered, Sae delivered a crushing blow: he told Rin he was talentless and would never become the world's best striker. This wasn't constructive criticism—it was a complete dismissal of everything they had worked toward together.

Sae's Career Shift

Making matters worse, Sae announced he was abandoning his striker position to become a midfielder, effectively destroying their shared dream. This decision felt like the ultimate betrayal to Rin, who had dedicated his entire identity to following in his brother's footsteps and playing alongside him.

The Psychological Impact

Sae's harsh words and abandonment of their dream didn't just hurt Rin—they fundamentally changed him. The once-cheerful younger brother became cold, calculating, and obsessed with surpassing Sae. This hatred became Rin's primary motivation, driving him to extreme lengths in the Blue Lock program.

Beyond Simple Sibling Rivalry

Rin's hatred stems from more than typical sibling competition. It's rooted in the complete destruction of his childhood worldview and the loss of the person he trusted most. Sae didn't just reject their dream—he rejected Rin himself.

The complex dynamics between the Itoshi brothers continue to evolve throughout Blue Lock, revealing deeper layers to their fractured relationship and Sae's true motivations.