Izuku Midoriya’s journey in My Hero Academia is defined by more than just strength and growth. It’s also about the choices he makes in the face of fear and doubt, choosing to step forward and charge into danger to protect others, with some of his greatest moments stemming from his compassion and resolve.
Throughout the series, these moments marked steps in his evolution toward becoming one of the greatest heroes, solidifying his place among modern anime’s most compelling protagonists. Some of these moments stand out more than others, becoming proof of his growth and the fact that true heroism is measured by heart.
10
Reclaiming the Name “Deku”
At the start of the story, Bakugo called Midoriya “Deku” to remind him of his supposed uselessness. It was a label meant to reinforce his lack of power and confidence, implying he would never become a hero. However, this changes when he begins at U.A. High, as Uraraka offers a new perspective.
Uraraka suggests that the name sounds hopeful and resilient, and this idea comes full circle in the first season when Midoriya reclaims it during a match against Bakugo. He not only aims to prove that all of Bakugo’s assumptions about him were wrong, but also shows that his journey toward heroism started from within through self-acceptance.
9
Rematch With Bakugo
The remake between Bakugo and Deku in Season Three is less about competition and more about unresolved history finally coming to the surface. Years of resentment, guilt, and misunderstanding lie at the core of the confrontation, paired with the lingering tension after the Kamino Incident, making the confrontation one of the most emotionally charged matches in the series.
The fight is one that strips the characters down to vulnerability as Bakugo finally voices his feelings and insecurities. The significance of the moment centers heavily on Bakugo; however, Deku stands his ground and remains a pillar of support, proving that he understands the depth of the need for support and understanding.
8
Deku vs. Lady Nagant
Deku’s battle against Lady Nagant takes place in Season 6 during one of the darkest stretches of his journey. After turning to vigilantism and working solo as a hero, he faces a former hero-turned-jailbreaker who represents the dark side of heroism and the flaws in their society.
Their confrontation shows how far Deku has grown as a hero, but also demonstrates the depth of his compassion. Despite being hunted, he reaches out to Lady Nagant, determined to save her. It shows that he truly believes in redemption and that understanding is a crucial aspect of heroism that can’t be overlooked.
7
Protecting Kota From Muscular
In Season Three, Deku is forced to confront the villain Muscular on his own, becoming his first real test of courage and resolve. Despite Muscular’s overwhelming physical power, Deku pushes his quirk to its limit to protect Kota, establishing one of his most defining traits: the willingness to sacrifice himself for others.
This moment stands as one of Deku’s shining moments as he commits himself to protecting the vulnerable without backup. It shows that Deku understands the cost of heroism and the importance of responsibility, cementing himself as a selfless hero and setting the tone for his future sacrifices and growth throughout his journey.
6
Motivating Todoroki at the Sports Festival
During the U.A. Sports Festival in Season Two, Deku faces Todoroki in a battle that is as psychological as it is physical. Todoroki’s inner conflict takes center stage, marked by a refusal to accept both sides of his power, limiting his potential. However, Deku manages to push Todoroki to confront those struggles mid-battle, prompting him to finally use both sides.
By recognizing Todoroki’s pain and encouraging him to choose his own path, Deku showed that empathy held power while establishing himself as an influential hero. Deku inspired Todoroki to grow beyond his father’s expectations and personal limitations, cementing his role and ability to uplift those around him by inspiring growth and courage.
5
Giving Bakugo One For All
In the finale of the second My Hero Academia feature film, Heroes Rising, in a desperate attempt to defeat the villain Nine, Deku performs one of the most selfless acts in his journey. He reaches out to Bakugo and transfers the power of One For All, despite knowing he will never be able to receive the quirk again.
While in the end the transfer doesn’t entirely go through, it shows Deku’s willingness to sacrifice himself and his ambitions for the greater good. By giving up One For All, even for a moment, he demonstrates a strong sense of moral responsibility and continues to put the well-being of others over himself.
4
Deku vs. Shigaraki in the Final War
The confrontation between Deku and Shigaraki begins in Season Seven and ends in Season Eight, standing out as the climactic battle of the series. Despite facing a villain defined by trauma, manipulation, hatred, and destruction, Deku was determined to save him while simultaneously defending the world at all costs.
His resolve to save Shigaraki, despite the harm he had committed, positioned Deku as a hero who strongly believed in redemption and that no one was beyond saving. He shows that compassion and strength are inseparable, solidifying his legacy as a hero who never gives in to despair and sees the potential in anyone he comes across.
3
Giving Up One For All
By the eighth and final season, Deku ultimately does relinquish One For All in a last resort attempt to defeat Shigaraki and All For One. In sacrificing the power that had been entrusted to him by his hero All Might, Deku proves that his selflessness and heroism extended far beyond strength and skill.
Despite his initial reluctance, Deku accepts the responsibility and views it as the cost he would pay to save the world. The act solidified Deku as one of the greatest heroes through his commitment to protecting others. Giving up One For All was a defining moment on his path, demonstrating the depth of his resolve.
2
Saving Eri From Overhaul
In Season Four, Deku rescues the young girl used by Overhaul, marking a critical moment in his journey. Despite Sir Nighteye’s future prediction, Deku chooses to continue forward even if it means walking into his own death. His determination to save Eri and defeat Overhaul took precedence, proving he would go to any lengths.
When he does win the battle, he does more than claim victory; he proves that fate is not set in stone and that he’s in control of his own destiny. In doing so, he inspires both his peers and seasoned heroes alike while instilling Eri with hope and safety. By defeating Overhaul, Deku positioned himself as an influential hero.
1
Running to Bakugo Without a Quirk
From the very beginning, Deku’s selfless act of rushing forward to save Bakugo without a quirk defines the essence of his character. Despite facing life-threatening danger with no powers and no training, he instinctively moved to save someone else, inspiring All Might to act and marking Deku’s first of many acts of heroism.
In that single moment, Deku embodies empathy, selflessness, and bravery, setting the stage for his eventual inheritance of One For All and proving he is the most deserving to carry All Might’s legacy forward. It was the moment that established the standard for heroism in the story, demonstrating that true heroism is defined by the choices people make.
- Movie(s)
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My Hero Academia: Two Heroes (2018), My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising (2019), My Hero Academia: World Heroes’ Mission (2021)
- First Film
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My Hero Academia: Two Heroes (2018)
- Cast
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Daiki Yamashita, Kenta Miyake, Nobuhiko Okamoto, Ayane Sakura, Yûki Kaji, Aoi Yuki, Kaito Ishikawa, Toshiki Masuda, Marina Inoue, Yoshimasa Hosoya
- TV Show(s)
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My Hero Academia
- Video Game(s)
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My Hero Academia: Battle for All, My Hero One’s Justice, My Hero One’s Justice 2
- Character(s)
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Izuku Midoriya, All Might, Katsuki Bakugo, Ochaco Uraraka, Shoto Todoroki, Tsuyu Asui, Tenya Iida, Eijiro Kirishima, Momo Yaoyorozu, Fumikage Tokoyami
