First Sports: Magnus Carlsen is ready to play chess against football star Mohamed Salah

Magnus Carlsen, the undisputed superstar of chess, has transcended the sport with his unique personality and dominance as the world number one. When people think of chess, Carlsen’s name is the first to come to mind, inspiring not only aspiring chess players but athletes from various sports as well.

One of those athletes is Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah, who recently expressed his admiration for the Norwegian chess champion. Salah, an avid chess player himself, revealed his desire to face Carlsen on the board, stating, “I’m addicted to chess. No one stands a chance against Magnus, but hopefully, we’ll play one day. I’m 1400 [Elo rating].”

Carlsen, who became a Grandmaster in 2004, broke the stereotype of the typical “nerdy” chess player, bringing a cool, edgy persona both on and off the chessboard. It’s no wonder athletes like Salah are eager to challenge him. When asked about Salah’s interest, Carlsen, a passionate football fan, graciously accepted the challenge while speaking to Observer, saying, “I’m a huge football fan and definitely a fan of Salah. I’ve not met him yet but I would certainly love to – as well as other sports people who I admire who play chess.”

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This potential chess crossover between a football superstar and the world’s top chess player has fans buzzing. Carlsen has a well-known connection to football, not just as a fan but also as a competitor — on the fantasy football front. In 2020, he outperformed over 7.3 million participants to top the global fantasy football rankings, showing that his strategic mind extends beyond the chessboard.

With Salah’s impressive chess rating and Carlsen’s football expertise, this matchup could make for a thrilling headline. But Salah might be reminded of how his Liverpool teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold was swiftly defeated by Carlsen in just 17 moves during a past encounter. Carlsen clearly enjoys facing football stars — having also played against Norway’s Martin Ødegaard.

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As Carlsen competes in the Global Chess League in London, just a short distance from Liverpool, now seems like the perfect time for this much-anticipated chess showdown between Salah and Carlsen to finally happen.