The manga world is mourning the death of Akira Toriyama, creator of Dragon Ball. The Japanese died at 68 from an “acute subdural hematoma,” his production company reported and indicated that the illustrator had “several works in the process of creation with great enthusiasm.”
Dragon Ball first saw the light of day in 1984 in comic form and became one of the most successful franchises of all time. Its world expanded with different sagas that were also reproduced in numerous anime series, movies and video games.
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The television adaptation released in 1988 contributed to Dragon Ball’s widespread popularity, with fans around the world. One of them is the star Neymar, who defined Goku, the protagonist of the stories, as one of his “favorite heroes.”
Um dos meus heróis favoritos GOKU !! Valeu @Wendel_Bezerra pic.twitter.com/UCoUWRndID
— Neymar Jr (@neymarjr) November 9, 2018
The Brazilian has on his back a tattoo of the martial arts expert warrior who travels the world in search of magic balls that, when gathered, summon a dragon with powers. “Be your hero,” says the message written in ink next to an image of Goku transformed into Super Saiyan.
Be your hero pic.twitter.com/4DzpdZWx8h
— Neymar Jr (@neymarjr) March 27, 2022
The Brazilian was also seen wearing t-shirts with characters from the saga, such as Krillin, Vegeta, Piccolo, Ten Shin Han or his son Gohan, or the villains Freeza (or Frieza) and Cell (or Célula). He also uploads images of the manga on his social networks.
In reality, there are several footballers who are Dragon Ball fans. Despite his youth, Endrick celebrated goals, one of them with Guilherme Biro in the last Pre-Olympic Tournament, emulating the fusion of Trunks and Goten.
Menos de 10 minutos de jogo, e o Palmeiras já fez 2 a 0 no Oeste. Verdão muito perto da semifinal da Copinha! pic.twitter.com/5L24Ix5sHM
— ge (@geglobo) January 19, 2022
The French André-Pierre Gignac, the Mexicans Hirving Lozano and Erick Gutiérrez, the Gabonese Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the Belgian Romelu Lukaku and the Argentine Eduardo “Toto” Salvio are others who have also demonstrated their love for the series with references.
Dragon Ball also sneaked into the stands. Remembered are, for example, the tifos or giant banners displayed by PSG supporters with references to the dragon balls or Goku.
¡Que linda hinchada!#VamosParis 🔴🔵 pic.twitter.com/Csdo3uaM6O
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_espanol) October 27, 2019
