# Cristian Volpato licenses AI likeness to protect and market his digital identity

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/synthetic-twin-why-socceroo-cristian-volpato-is-the-latest-footballer-to-license-his-ai-clone/
- Published: 2026-10-24T19:00:40+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-24T19:22:34+00:00
- Original publisher: The Guardian (publisher lean: Left)
- Original article: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/oct/25/synthetic-twin-why-socceroo-cristian-volpato-is-the-latest-footballer-to-license-his-ai-clone
- Topics: AI, Americas, Celebrity, Entertainment, Football, Software, Sport, Technology, World

## Key points

- Volpato has licensed his AI likeness to Callandor.
- The company has exclusive rights to his voice and performance data.
- AI athlete deals are developing ahead of sports regulation.

## Summary

Cristian Volpato, a 22-year-old Socceroo who plays for Italian club Sassuolo, has licensed an AI version of his image to a company that aims to create and market “synthetic twins” of athletes. The deal reflects efforts by players to control and earn from their digital identities as AI-generated sports content grows, often without their permission.

California-based Callandor has exclusive rights to Volpato’s digital likeness, voice, biometric profiles and performance data, and plans to seek brand deals while restricting unapproved uses. Founded in February, the company also represents Brazilian footballer Jorginho and American sailor Chris Poole; its campaigns remain at pilot stage. Ideas include AI voiceovers and fan apps, while Neymar licensed his AI likeness for short videos in June. Australian sports contracts currently make no mention of AI, as governments consider regulation.

---
Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.