# Socceroo Cristian Volpato licenses AI likeness to Callandor

Digest AI · Business & Funding · published 2026-10-24T19:00:40Z

Canonical: https://digestai.news/story/socceroo-cristian-volpato-licenses-ai-likeness-to-callandor

## Summary

Australian footballer Cristian Volpato has signed a deal with California-based company Callandor to license his AI likeness, voice, and biometric data. The agreement grants Callandor exclusive rights to create and monetize a "synthetic twin" of Volpato for brand deals, while the company also helps restrict unauthorized AI content. Callandor, founded in February, aims to allow athletes to earn from their digital images 24/7, even when they are not physically available for shoots. The company is currently in the pilot phase and also represents Brazilian footballer Jorginho and sailor Chris Poole.

This move comes as the sports industry grapples with the rise of unauthorized deepfakes and AI-generated content. In Australia, the AFL recently ordered its gambling partner Sportsbet to stop using AI images of players without consent. Industry experts note that current contracts often lack specific AI clauses, creating a legal gray area. While copyright law generally does not cover AI reproductions, athletes can use "passing off" laws to sue if they prove economic loss from unauthorized use.

Callandor’s co-founder, Michael Fisk, envisions future applications including AI voiceovers for books and interactive apps where fans receive real-time coaching from an athlete’s digital clone. Other Australian athletes, such as cricketer Travis Head, have already begun embracing AI in their marketing. Legal experts warn that this emerging market involves complex rights negotiations, as the technology advances faster than regulation.

## Key points

- Cristian Volpato licensed his AI likeness, voice, and biometric data to Callandor in mid-September.
- Callandor monetizes the digital twin through brand deals and restricts unauthorized AI content.
- The AFL ordered Sportsbet to stop using AI images of players without consent earlier this month.

## Why it matters

This deal marks a shift from reactive legal battles to proactive licensing of athlete likenesses. It establishes a new commercial model for AI rights in sports, potentially setting precedents for how athletes control and monetize their digital identities in an era of easy deepfake creation.

## Sources

1. [‘Synthetic twin’: Why Socceroo Cristian Volpato is the latest footballer to license his AI clone](https://theguardian.com/technology/2026/oct/25/synthetic-twin-why-socceroo-cristian-volpato-is-the-latest-footballer-to-license-his-ai-clone) (The Guardian AI, 2026-10-24)

Part of the developing story: [Athletes Navigate AI Likeness Rights and Regulation](https://digestai.news/thread/afl-orders-sportsbet-to-halt-ai-generated-player-content-without-consent) (2 stories)

## Cite

Digest AI, "Socceroo Cristian Volpato licenses AI likeness to Callandor", 24 October 2026, https://digestai.news/story/socceroo-cristian-volpato-licenses-ai-likeness-to-callandor

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