Neymar as Naruto, Modric as Itachi: eFootball’s anime crossover divides fans

Key facts

• Konami announced the eFootball x Naruto Shippuden collaboration on April 30, 2026.
• Special player cards include Naruto Uzumaki × Neymar Jr. and Sasuke Uchiha × Takefusa Kubo.
• The event runs from April 30 to May 14, 2026.
• Stunning Shots trigger visual effects inspired by Wind Style: Rasen Shuriken and Chidori.
• Trailer features Neymar, Lewandowski, Modric, Leao, Odegaard dressed as Naruto characters.
• Naruto manga sold over 250 million copies worldwide since 1999.
• Fan reactions range from 'absolute cinema' to criticism of players skipping World Cup qualification.

Football and anime collide in a limited-time crossover

Konami Digital Entertainment B.V. has launched a special collaboration between its football simulation eFootball and the globally renowned anime series Naruto Shippuden. The crossover, announced on April 30, 2026, from Windsor, UK, brings together two worlds through themed player cards, in-game events, and a promotional trailer that has sparked both excitement and ridicule. At the heart of the collaboration are paired player cards: Naruto Uzumaki paired with Neymar Jr., and Sasuke Uchiha paired with Takefusa Kubo. These cards trigger unique visual effects during Stunning Shots, recreating signature ninjutsu such as Wind Style: Rasen Shuriken and Chidori. Scoring a goal also activates special celebration animations exclusive to the event.

A star-studded trailer with cosplay and controversy

The collaboration trailer, released on eFootball’s official X account, features global football stars dressed as characters from the anime. Neymar appears in an orange jumpsuit as Naruto, while Robert Lewandowski portrays Kakashi Hatake, Luka Modric as Itachi Uchiha, Martin Odegaard as Shikamaru Nara, and Rafael Leao in an unspecified role. The trailer shows Neymar kicking a ball that transforms into a Rasen-Shuriken, a nod to the series’ iconic techniques. Fan reaction has been deeply divided. On Konami’s official YouTube channel, some comments hailed the trailer as “absolute cinema,” while others were less charitable. User zen-audios wrote, “Bills cannot be this high,” and DiegoJuarez-p2f remarked, “Instead of qualifying Lewandoski does this and Neymar chose this instead of the World Cup.” Josharper simply commented, “[eFootball] did them all dirty,” accompanied by crying-laughing emojis.

In-game events and free rewards for players

During the campaign period from April 30 to May 14, 2026, players can participate in in-game events to earn the special collaboration players and items for free. Additional themed content inspired by Naruto Shippuden, including stadium decorations and choreographed celebrations, is also available. The collaboration aims to blend the aesthetics of the anime with football gameplay, offering a temporary but immersive experience.

The enduring legacy of Naruto

Naruto, created by Masashi Kishimoto, first appeared as a manga serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump in 1999. The series concluded in 2014 after 700 chapters, but its influence persists. The manga has sold over 250 million copies worldwide, and the anime adaptation, which began broadcasting in 2002, continues to spawn events, games, and merchandise. The sequel series Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, supervised by Kishimoto with art by Mikio Ikemoto, keeps the franchise alive.

Stakes for players and the World Cup context

The timing of the collaboration has drawn scrutiny, particularly regarding Neymar’s involvement. The Brazilian forward, who has faced fitness concerns ahead of the 2026 World Cup, is seen by some fans as prioritizing a promotional event over national team preparations. Takefusa Kubo, the Japanese right winger often dubbed “Japanese Messi,” also features prominently, with his technical ability likened to the Sharingan dojutsu from the anime. For older players like Luka Modric, now 40, the cosplay has been a source of humor and embarrassment. The trailer shows Modric in an Akatsuki coat and defaced headband, pulling hand signs with glowing eyes—a far cry from his usual midfield composure.

A mixed reception and open questions

The collaboration has generated significant online discourse, with opinions ranging from genuine excitement to outright mockery. While some appreciate the creativity and the chance to earn free in-game items, others question the wisdom of having top footballers dress up for a crossover that may distract from their primary sport. The event’s limited duration—just two weeks—means the controversy is likely to be short-lived, but it has already cemented eFootball’s willingness to take risks in its marketing.

The bottom line

• Konami’s eFootball x Naruto Shippuden crossover runs from April 30 to May 14, 2026, featuring special player cards and free in-game rewards.
• Neymar Jr. and Takefusa Kubo are paired with Naruto and Sasuke, respectively, with unique visual effects for Stunning Shots.
• The promotional trailer includes cosplay from Lewandowski, Modric, Odegaard, and Leao, drawing mixed fan reactions.
• Naruto’s manga has sold over 250 million copies, underscoring the franchise’s global appeal.
• The collaboration has sparked debate about players’ priorities, especially Neymar’s involvement amid World Cup qualification concerns.