Erling Haaland reveals the secret behind his love for chess and invests in a world championship
Haaland enters the world of chess with a global investment
In a surprising move reflecting his diverse sporting and investment interests, Norwegian star Erling Haaland , the prominent striker for Manchester City, announced his involvement as a major investor in a new and comprehensive global chess tour. This announcement highlights the intellectual and strategic side of one of the world's top football goalscorers.
Similarities between football and the game of intelligence
Speaking to the FIDE website, Haaland revealed his deep passion for the game, saying, "Chess is a fantastic game. It effectively contributes to mental development and the growth of cognitive skills." The Norwegian star explained the significant overlaps between football and chess, adding, "There are clear similarities between the two games; in both, you have to think very quickly, trust your instincts, and consider several possible moves before making a decision. Strategy and planning are the foundation of success in everything.".
Historical context: Norway as a chess superpower
Haaland's move comes at a time when Norway is experiencing a golden age in chess, thanks to the legendary Norwegian Magnus Carlsen , former world champion and world number one. Haaland has expressed his admiration for his compatriot Carlsen, considering him the undisputed number one chess star. This investment further strengthens Norway's position on the global sporting map, combining the physical prowess of Haaland with the mental brilliance of Carlsen.
Football stars and their love of chess
Haaland is not the only player who engages in this mental game; he joins a growing list of prominent football stars who find chess a way to enhance their tactical focus. Among these stars are Egypt's Mohamed Salah , England's Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Eberechi Eze. This trend reflects athletes' growing awareness of the importance of mental fitness and its direct impact on making crucial, split-second decisions during matches.
Details of the world tour and its expected impact
Haaland confirmed in statements carried by the British news agency PA Media that his investment in the Norwegian Chess Federation stems from his belief in the potential of this global tour to make chess a more popular and widespread sport worldwide. He praised the tremendous efforts of the team behind the project, considering joining it "an unmissable opportunity.".
The new tour will feature four tournaments annually in different cities around the world, crowning a world champion in three major chess disciplines: classical, rapid, and blitz. This tour is fully supported by the International Chess Federation (FIDE). A pilot tournament is scheduled for this fall, with a minimum prize pool of $2.7 million USD per season, reflecting the project's significant financial scale.
International praise for Haaland's move
Arkady Dvorkovich, president of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), welcomed this strategic move, stating, "Chess, just like football, has always been a universal language of strategy and creativity." He added that the involvement of a global sporting figure like Erling Haaland in this project is clear evidence of the growing global interest and significant cultural importance of chess in the modern era, promising to attract millions of new football fans to the world of chess.
