Thibaut Courtois on Social Media Shenanigans: Vinícius Jr. Look-Alike and Mbappé as Dictator

Vinícius Jr. has been the subject of a conspiracy theory since this summer, claiming the Brazilian has been replaced by a look-alike. This, along with social media edits portraying Kylian Mbappé as a dictator, amuses Thibaut Courtois and his Real Madrid teammates.

As Real Madrid prepares to host RB Leipzig in the Champions League on Wednesday, Thibaut Courtois reflected on topics surrounding Florentino Pérez's club. He specifically addressed the increasingly prevalent online edits that convince many internet users the real Vinícius Jr. is not the genuine 'Vini'. Following his chin cosmetic surgery last summer, which slightly altered his features, and his recent dip in form this season, supporters are convinced the Brazilian forward has been swapped with a double.

The Madrid dressing room finds this amusing. "People make small Photoshop edits very quickly, which suddenly give the impression that someone is different," the Belgian goalkeeper told DAZN Belgium. "Then someone starts a conspiracy theory, and it circles the globe. But it's impossible! Of course, it's Vini!" he asserted humorously, acknowledging that AI-generated retouching can be highly realistic and confusing to some. Mbappé, however, is not the only player targeted by online creators.

'We sometimes sing that in the dressing room'

Kylian Mbappé, a star at the Casa Blanca, also features in AI-generated videos depicting him in dictator attire with an authoritarian demeanor. For several years, the French captain has cultivated an image of someone who wants complete control, particularly after PSG granted him significant power to secure his contract extension in 2022. These edits provide much amusement for Courtois and his teammates. "Yes, we laugh about it. We sometimes sing that in the dressing room. I think, ultimately, he finds it funny too," the 34-year-old goalkeeper commented with a smile.

Even members of the Belgian international's own family have fallen for the hoaxes. When Courtois was substituted due to injury against Manchester City last year, an AI-generated photo circulated online showing him in a hospital bed. "My father messaged me: 'When was this?' I replied: 'Dad, that's AI'," he chuckled. A few days ago, an AI animation studio released a highly realistic trailer showing potential Ballon d'Or winners vying for the coveted trophy, which garnered millions of views. A Real Madrid player could well be among them.