Cristian Volpato, a 22-year-old midfielder playing for Italian Serie A club Sassuolo, has entered into an agreement with Callandor, a California-based company, to license his artificial intelligence likeness. The deal grants Callandor exclusive rights to Volpato’s digital representation, including his voice, biometric data, and performance metrics. Under the arrangement, the company will pursue brand partnerships using the synthetic twin while taking a commission and working to prevent unauthorized use of the athlete’s digital image.
Callandor, founded in February, operates as an AI licensing agent for professional athletes and currently represents a small roster including Brazilian footballer Jorginho and American sailor Chris Poole. The company’s campaigns remain in preliminary stages but extend beyond conventional advertising. Co-founder Michael Fisk, formerly with Sony Pictures and MGM, envisions applications ranging from AI-generated voiceovers for foreign language editions to interactive fan experiences where digital clones provide personalized coaching. The synthetic twins can theoretically operate continuously, allowing athletes to capitalize on commercial opportunities without demanding their personal time.
Volpato is not pioneering this approach. Brazilian superstar Neymar previously licensed his AI likeness to a Chinese entertainment platform for content produced during the FIFA World Cup. As AI technology advances, a competitive dynamic has emerged among athletes regarding their digital rights. William Saunders, leading Sydney-based startup Hyperknown, notes that athletes increasingly recognize the necessity of monetizing their AI images before others do so without consent. This concern became apparent earlier this month when Australian Football League officials instructed gambling operator Sportsbet to cease using AI-generated player imagery without authorization, following a complaint from the players’ union.
The rapid expansion of AI cloning technology has outpaced regulatory frameworks. Major Australian sports league player contracts currently contain no provisions addressing AI image rights. Intellectual property expert Jonathan Harlen from Southern Cross University characterizes the emerging industry as presenting complex legal considerations requiring careful negotiation. Industry observers emphasize the distinction between technology capability and authorized use, with some suggesting that permission-based content will become a significant commercial differentiator as AI-generated material proliferates across digital platforms.
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