Zion Williamson’s Odd New Tattoo Causes A Stir
Zion Williamson's Odd New Tattoo Causes A Stir
Zion Williamson, the New Orleans Pelicans’ dynamic forward, has recently made headlines for his latest body art choice – a Naruto-inspired tattoo around his belly button.
The NBA star, who has openly shared his passion for anime throughout his career, now sports the distinctive seal design from the popular Japanese series on his abdomen, drawing significant attention across social media platforms.
Zion got a Naruto seal stomach tattoo. Thoughts? 👀
(h/t @inkednba, via inkbynova/IG) pic.twitter.com/HguXY0qZj7
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 27, 2025
This isn’t Williamson’s first venture into anime-inspired tattoos, as he previously revealed a full-back tattoo featuring an intimidating creature with a menacing grin. His connection to Naruto extends beyond mere fandom, serving as a source of personal inspiration throughout his professional journey.
The two-time NBA All-Star has even collaborated with Jordan Brand on Naruto-themed sneakers, further cementing his authentic appreciation for the animated series that has apparently helped him navigate challenging periods in his career.
Entire Internet Is Losing Over Zion Williamson’s New Anime-Inspired Stomach Tattoo
Zion Williamson’s latest body art has ignited a social media frenzy. The New Orleans Pelicans star recently revealed his new stomach tattoo inspired by the popular anime series Naruto, prompting an avalanche of reactions across multiple platforms.
The 2-time NBA All-Star has previously discussed his deep connection to Naruto, sharing that the anime series helped him navigate a difficult period while sidelined with injuries during the 2021-22 season. His new tattoo features the “Four Symbols Seal” design from the manga, representing his appreciation for the storyline that resonated with him during his recovery.
Social media users have been quick to comment on Williamson’s new ink with a mix of humor and criticism:
| Social Media Reactions |
|---|
| “How deep that thang go??” |
| “Boy ate a 9 piece now he think he got the 9 tails in him” |
| “That’s a cinnamon roll lol” |
| “It will seal those double bacon cheese burgers” |
While many comments focused on Williamson’s physique rather than the artistic or personal significance of the tattoo, some fans defended his choice. “He’s an anime fan with money, let the young man do him,” wrote one supporter on social media.
The tattoo artist, identified as InkByNova on Instagram, has gained significant attention from the viral post showcasing their work on the NBA player. The detailed design demonstrates Williamson’s commitment as a serious anime fan.
Williamson’s body has been a constant topic of discussion throughout his professional career. Despite the persistent criticism about his weight, reports indicate the North Carolina native has been working on his fitness. The tattoo, positioned prominently on his stomach, could potentially change in appearance if his body composition shifts significantly.
For anime enthusiasts, the tattoo choice reveals Williamson’s deep appreciation for Naruto lore. The Four Symbols Seal represents significant power containment in the series, according to Narutopedia and other fan resources. Unlike many athletes who opt for full-back tattoos or more conventional designs, Williamson chose an element with specific meaning from the anime universe.
A longtime sports reporter, Carlos Garcia has written about some of the biggest and most notable athletic events of the last 5 years. He has been credentialed to cover MLS, NBA and MLB games all over the United States. His work has been published on Fox Sports, Bleacher Report, AOL and the Washington Post.
