Dejan Joveljić: The MLS Star Bridging Football and Chess Mastery

Dejan Joveljić: The MLS Star Who Plays Chess Like a Grandmaster

In the world of sports, it’s not uncommon for athletes to have hobbies outside their primary discipline. However, few can claim to excel in both their sport and a cerebral game like chess. Enter Dejan Joveljić, the Serbian forward for Sporting Kansas City, who is making waves not just on the soccer field but also on the chessboard.

Recently, Joveljić showcased his impressive chess skills in a match against International Master Levy Rozman, better known as GothamChess. While many footballers dabble in chess—think Mohamed Salah, Harry Kane, and Christian Pulisic—Joveljić stands out with a FIDE rating of 2217 and an online blitz peak of 2700 on Chess.com. His credentials position him as potentially the strongest active chess-playing professional athlete in the world.

“I take pride in it because I know how much work it took,” Joveljić told Chess.com. “Reaching 2200+ FIDE level while also being a professional footballer isn’t easy.” His dedication to both sports is evident; he has played over 50,000 blitz games online and continues to take lessons from IM Miodrag Perunovic, aiming to become a FIDE master.

This week marked a significant milestone for Joveljić as he became only the second footballer, alongside Pulisic, to receive a Chess.com bot in his name. “I think people will face an aggressive player,” he said, reflecting on his chess style, which mirrors his approach to football—dynamic and pressure-driven.

During his recent match against Rozman at Sporting Park, Joveljić managed to secure a victory in one game, despite Rozman ultimately winning the match. “Did Levy really lose on time here? Judge for yourself!” Joveljić quipped, showcasing his competitive spirit.

For Joveljić, chess is more than just a pastime; it’s a tool that enhances his performance on the pitch. “Chess helped me become calmer under pressure—the main thing,” he explained. “As a striker, sometimes you have one second to make the right decision—that’s chess under time pressure.”

Since joining MLS, Joveljić has emerged as one of the league’s top strikers, contributing significantly to his team’s success. His aggressive style in both football and chess has garnered attention, and he’s not shy about challenging his fellow athletes to embrace the game. “I would honestly play everyone,” he said. “It’s great because footballers are talking about chess—they break the stereotypes.”

As Joveljić continues to balance his dual passions, one thing is clear: whether on the soccer field or the chessboard, he’s a force to be reckoned with. And for those looking to challenge him, they may want to prepare carefully—after all, this striker knows how to make bold moves.