Shohei Ohtani’s Custom Yu-Gi-Oh! Card Made By Konami
- Patrice Journ
- Jun 27
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 19
There has been a surge of interest in the sports cards market, with classic designs blending seamlessly with flashy, cartoonish inserts like Downtowns and Kabooms. Now, a one-of-a-kind card takes this crossover to the next level by merging two worlds of collecting: sports and trading card games, with a canine twist.. Ohtani took to Instagram recently to unveil a custom Yu-Gi-Oh! card featuring his loyal pup, a special gift from KONAMI. Yes, the same guys behind the legendary Yu-Gi-Oh! card game that has dominated the collectible scene worldwide since 1999. This isn’t some generic promo either; it’s a personalized tribute that captures Decoy— affectionately known as Dekopin in Japan — in all his adorable glory.
The card, framed alongside the original artwork, shows Decoy in a Dodgers jersey, mid-gesture at a memorable moment from August 28, 2024, when he “pitched” the ceremonial first ball at Dodger Stadium with typical canine style.
Remember that moment? Ohtani, carrying Dekopin to the mound, placing the ball on the rubber, and then Decoy fetching it in his mouth? That’s the kind of image that sticks with fans — an iconic scene mixed with a bit of canine charm.
And now, that moment has been immortalized in a foil-finished Yu-Gi-Oh! card, classified as a “Level 1 Light Attribute Normal Monster,” with stats that scream “cute but capable”: 50 ATK and 50 DEF.
Ohtani’s relationship with KONAMI isn’t new. He’s been a key ambassador for their baseball video game series, including “Powerful Pro Baseball” and “Pro Baseball Spirits,” celebrated for their milestone anniversaries earlier this year. This playful card isn’t just a gift; it’s a testament to how Ohtani bridges the worlds of sport, gaming, and his personal life effortlessly. Fans love seeing this side of him — the goofy, genuine side that treasures his dog and isn’t afraid to show it.
So, whether he’s striking out batters or sharing heartfelt moments with Dekopin, Shohei Ohtani proves he’s one of the rare athletes whose influence extends well beyond the diamond. And as the Yu-Gi-Oh! community continues to expand, moments like these remind us that sometimes, the most memorable stories come from the simplest gestures — a dog, a game, and a star with a big heart.
