His famous "Siuuu" celebration and interviews have been cloned
Deepfakes are reshaping the digital world, but they have also opened the door to new risks.
Deepfake technology, which creates highly realistic synthetic audio, video and images, has become a growing concern.
Sports stars, due to their global fame, are among the biggest targets.
AI-generated voice clones can be used to fabricate interviews, endorsements or even controversial statements, misleading fans and damaging reputations.
Researchers at SeatPick analysed data to discover the sports stars who have the most AI clones.
With deepfake content becoming more convincing, the risks to sports personalities and the wider industry are increasing.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo is the most replicated sports star, with 5,527 AI-generated voice sounds.
His famous “Siuuu” celebration and interviews have been cloned countless times, with some deepfakes even putting words in his mouth that he never said.
Ronaldo’s immense popularity makes him an easy target for digital manipulation, raising concerns about how such fabrications can influence public perception.
If AI-generated content can make convincing fake interviews, the risk of misinformation spreading rapidly among fans and media outlets is high.
LeBron James
LeBron James has 4,737 AI-generated voice clones, making him the most deepfaked basketball player.
Some of these fakes have been used in fabricated press conferences or false promotional campaigns.
With his global influence, such misuse of his voice could impact his endorsements and public image.
The scale of AI cloning highlights the need for stronger content verification measures to prevent misinformation from spreading unchecked.
Patrick Mahomes
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been cloned 3,180 times by AI.
Some deepfakes have involved fake interviews, making it difficult for audiences to distinguish between real and manipulated content.
The NFL has started discussions on the risks of AI-generated content, with a focus on protecting players’ identities.
With sports betting and sponsorships playing a major role in American football, deepfakes could be exploited for financial and reputational gain.
Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry, with 1,840 AI voice clones, has been the subject of deepfakes ranging from fake motivational speeches to fabricated endorsements.
As one of the NBA’s highest-earning players, his brand is valuable, making him a prime target for manipulation.
Some AI-generated content featuring Curry has been convincing enough to mislead fans, demonstrating the dangers of unchecked deepfake technology.
Kobe Bryant
The late Kobe Bryant has had 1,282 AI-generated voice clones.
While some aim to pay tribute to his legacy, others raise ethical concerns, particularly when they are used for commercial purposes without his family’s consent.
The use of AI to recreate deceased public figures has sparked debate over digital rights and the potential exploitation of an individual’s image and voice after their death.
Neymar
Brazilian footballer Neymar has 1,214 AI-generated voice sounds, with some fakes altering interviews or making it seem as though he endorsed products he never actually promoted.
With deepfake content becoming harder to identify, public figures like Neymar face significant risks to their reputations.
Football’s massive global audience means that misinformation can spread quickly, creating real-world consequences for those affected.
Lionel Messi
Football icon Lionel Messi has 1,037 AI-generated voice clones.
Some deepfakes have been used to create fake interviews, misrepresenting his views.
Others have included AI-generated endorsements that he never agreed to, posing legal and ethical challenges.
The increasing sophistication of deepfake technology makes it more important than ever for audiences to critically assess digital content.
Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods has been cloned 905 times by AI, with deepfakes used to create false promotional material and fake interviews.
As one of the most recognisable figures in golf, any misinformation linked to him can have a significant impact on his personal brand and business ventures.
AI deepfakes could be weaponised to manipulate sponsorship deals, further complicating how public figures manage their digital presence.
Tom Brady
Tom Brady, with 892 AI-generated voice clones, has been the subject of deepfakes.
This has included fabricated press statements and endorsements of the NFL legend.
The use of AI to mimic his voice highlights the growing challenge of digital misinformation in American football.
As deepfake technology becomes more advanced, sports organisations will need to implement stronger verification processes to protect their players.
Kylian Mbappé
French footballer Kylian Mbappé has 796 AI-generated voice clones.
As one of the brightest young talents in football, he has already been targeted with fake interviews and promotional content.
The increasing number of deepfake incidents involving Mbappé signals that even younger players are at risk.
Sports organisations need to take proactive steps to safeguard players’ digital identities.
Sachin Tendulkar
Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has been targeted by deepfake technology, with AI-generated videos falsely showing him endorsing products.
One widely circulated deepfake had him promoting an online gaming app, misleading fans.
Tendulkar publicly denounced the video, calling for stricter regulations to combat digital misinformation.
He tweeted:
“These videos are fake. It is disturbing to see rampant misuse of technology.”
“Request everyone to report videos, ads and apps like these in large numbers. Social media platforms need to be alert and responsive to complaints.”
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli has been the subject of deepfake videos, including ones falsely portraying him promoting betting apps and making controversial statements.
Such AI-generated content not only misleads the public but also threatens Kohli’s reputation and commercial partnerships.
Cricket, with its huge following in South Asia, is increasingly becoming a target for AI-driven manipulation.
The rise of AI deepfakes in sports poses serious risks.
Fabricated interviews, fake endorsements, and manipulated statements can damage an athlete’s reputation and mislead fans.
The sports industry must invest in AI detection tools and digital verification processes to combat this growing threat.
Stricter legal protections and public awareness campaigns are also needed to ensure that AI-generated misinformation does not erode trust in sports personalities.
As deepfake technology advances, athletes, organisations, and fans must remain vigilant against the spread of AI-generated deception.
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