Australian Soccer Player Licenses His AI Digital Twin as a New Business

Cristian Volpato, a 22-year-old player on Australia's national men's soccer team, allowed an AI video of himself. It shows several digital versions of him in different places around the world. He is the latest athlete to make money from licensing his AI likeness.

Volpato signed with Callandor, a California company. It holds his digital image, voice, body data and match data, helps brands use his AI self for a share of the money, and blocks content made without his okay. Brazilian star Neymar also licensed his AI likeness earlier.

Industry watchers say betting firms, broadcasters and brands often use athletes' images in AI content without asking. Some players are fighting back. Legal experts note that pure AI copies are not protected by copyright.

Australia's major sports leagues still have no AI rules in player contracts. The Australian Football League asked a betting company to stop using players' AI images without permission. Governments worldwide are working on AI rules.