“Haaland reveals passion for chess and compares it to football.”

Erling Haaland, the young football sensation, has decided to take a bold step off the pitch by making a significant investment in the world of chess. This unexpected move has not only surprised fans but also promises to transform how the game is perceived globally. The Manchester City striker has formalized an agreement to become an investor in the new Total Chess World Championship Tour, which features the iconic Magnus Carlsen, the current world number one. The announcement was made shortly before his team’s recent draw against West Ham, in a match that ended 1-1.

Haaland’s arrival at the London Stadium was marked by a detail that went unnoticed: he was wearing a Norway Chess cap. This seemingly trivial detail reveals his growing connection to chess. The Norwegian striker’s investment aims for an annual prize that reaches an impressive 2.4 million euros, a sum that promises to attract new talent and audiences to the sport.

“Chess is an incredible game: it sharpens the mind and has clear similarities with football. You need to think quickly, trust your instincts, and anticipate several moves,” Haaland stated in an interview with The Guardian. His vision is clear: he wants to elevate chess to a new level, making it a more accessible and exciting sport for spectators. This sentiment resonates among many elite athletes who have discovered chess as a form of relaxation and mental strategy.

Haaland stands out as the first top football player to make such an investment, joining forces with Norwegian businessman Morten Borge to create Chess Mates, a company that will become a significant shareholder in Norway Chess, the entity responsible for organizing the new circuit. “I am investing in Norway Chess because I believe the new Total Chess World Championship Tour can transform chess into an even bigger sport for viewers around the world,” said the forward, praising the work done so far in promoting the event.

Chess has been gaining popularity among athletes in the Premier League, with figures like Mohamed Salah from Liverpool admitting to being “addicted” to the game. Additionally, players like Arsenal’s Eberechi Eze have showcased their talent in celebrity tournaments, while figures such as Pep Guardiola, Haaland’s coach, and former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca also join the list of enthusiasts.

The new circuit format, supported by FIDE, the governing body of chess worldwide, will consist of four annual tournaments held in different cities. The aim is to crown a world champion in three disciplines: classical, rapid, and blitz. A pilot tournament is scheduled for the fall of 2026, while the first complete season of the championship is expected to start in 2027.

Although the exact amount of Haaland’s investment remains a secret, sources suggest that it is considerable, raising questions about the impact that an athlete of his stature can have on the growth of chess. Kjell Madland, the executive director of Norway Chess and Total Chess, did not hesitate to praise the collaboration with the player. “The fact that Erling is joining us as an investor speaks volumes about the commercial potential of this circuit. He has a huge number of followers globally and is truly world-class at creating magical sporting moments,” said Madland, reflecting the excitement surrounding this new era for chess.

With the combination of Haaland’s footballing talent and his vision for chess, this investment could very well mark the beginning of a new era for the sport, where the intersection of mind and athletics becomes a fascinating reality.