Norwegian star Erling Haaland and Egyptian Mohamed Salah have significantly enhanced the popularity of chess, showcasing their passion for the game and sparking increased interest among young people. Haaland, the Manchester City striker, has recently invested in an innovative new chess tour aimed at capitalizing on the growing interest generated by celebrity players.
Alongside Haaland, Mohamed Salah, the Liverpool forward, is among the players who are passionate about chess, often playing rapid "blitz" chess online while keeping his identity hidden. Salah confirmed, "I am addicted to chess. Every day, literally every day." Additionally, Arsenal's Norwegian midfielder Martin Ødegaard and Eberechi Eze are known for their love of the game, with Eze winning an amateur championship in 2025.
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Norwegian Magnus Carlsen, a five-time World Chess Champion, is also a huge football fan, and his dual passion has contributed to the convergence of the two games. Trent Alexander-Arnold is known for playing chess frequently with his brothers and faced off against Carlsen, who defeated him in just 17 moves within 5 minutes. Meanwhile, American winger for AC Milan, Christian Pulisic, has a tattoo of a queen piece on his arm in honor of his grandfather, who taught him the game in his childhood.
French World Cup winner Antoine Griezmann and Real Madrid's Daniel Carvajal are also known for their enthusiasm for chess. Although the contemplative and mental nature of chess may seem at odds with the physical and aggressive nature of football, a deeper look reveals more similarities than one might expect.
Background & Context
The roots of chess date back to India in the seventh century, but those humble beginnings are vastly different from the technology that is accelerating the game's boom today. Electronic applications have surpassed the traditional board as the most common playing field, with online play flourishing during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the International Chess Federation, at least 1.5 billion people have a chess app on their mobile devices.
The Netflix series "The Queen's Gambit," along with the influence of celebrities, has contributed to this boom that has changed the monotonous stereotype of the game. Chess also appeals to coaches seeking mental superiority in their tactical battles on the field. Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola has been quoted saying, "You have no idea how similar the two are."
Impact & Consequences
Carlsen, a passionate supporter of Real Madrid, believes that chess and football share the importance of controlling the midfield. If you control the midfield, you control the board or the pitch. In terms of space, the similarities are striking. But the question remains: can the joy of achieving a successful "checkmate" replace the thrill of scoring a winning goal for football players who are chess enthusiasts? For Harry Kane, football remains the first love, while chess serves as an ideal means of relaxation.
Kane stated, "I use chess to clear my mind. It’s a purely mental game. You have to focus at every moment." This affirmation reflects how chess can serve as a means to alleviate the pressure and stress players face in the world of football.
Regional Significance
This phenomenon is significant in the Arab region, where it can inspire youth to turn to chess as a means of strategic thinking and planning. With the increasing popularity of the game among sports stars, it could lead to greater interest in chess within Arab communities, contributing to the development of critical and strategic thinking skills among young people.
In conclusion, the growing passion for chess among football stars marks a cultural shift that may help promote the game, reflecting how different sports can intersect and influence one another.