Wendie Renard, the French women’s national team captain and record holder for most Champions League appearances, filed a police complaint on Tuesday after a deepfake video using her likeness surfaced online promoting a fraudulent investment scheme.
The video, which circulated on social media, employed artificial intelligence to superimpose Renard’s face onto a spokesperson endorsing an unspecified AI-based project, specifically targeting residents of Martinique, her birthplace in the Caribbean. Renard had already warned her followers on Monday via X, Instagram and Facebook that the clip was unauthorized and generated without her consent, stating it did not reflect her views, values or position.
Her lawyer, Laurent Burgy, confirmed to AFP that the complaint was filed not only to protect her personal image but as well to prevent others from being deceived by the scam, emphasizing that Renard sees herself as a player first and has no interest in influencer activities.
The incident highlights a growing trend: deepfakes of public figures are increasingly weaponized for financial fraud, cryptocurrency scams, fake product endorsements and romance scams, exploiting the difficulty of detecting synthetic media in real time.
Meanwhile, in German football, Bayern Munich received a potential boost ahead of their Champions League semifinal first leg against Paris Saint-Germain, as PSG manager Luis Enrique confirmed that midfielder Vitinha is doubtful for the upcoming match due to a heel inflammation.
Vitinha, 26, missed PSG’s Ligue 1 fixture against Nantes on Wednesday as a precaution, with Enrique stating the club must manage the injury carefully. The Portuguese international is considered a key creative force for the Ligue 1 champions and his absence could significantly alter PSG’s midfield dynamics in the tie.
The first leg is scheduled for Tuesday at the Parc des Princes, with the return match set for May 6 in Munich. Enrique said the club would monitor Vitinha’s recovery closely but offered no guarantees on his availability for either game.
In other developments from the day’s sports roundup, former DFB team manager Oliver Bierhoff weighed in on Germany’s goalkeeper situation ahead of international competition, suggesting uncertainty remains over Manuel Neuer’s role and fitness, echoing debates that followed the 2014 World Cup victory when goalkeeping hierarchy was similarly scrutinized.
Italian authorities are investigating a prostitution ring linked to approximately 70 Serie A players, with allegations that clubs including AC Milan, Inter Milan and Juventus had players who attended events organized by a Milan-based promotions firm where sexual services were allegedly offered and nitrous oxide was reportedly consumed due to its evasion of standard doping tests.
On the WTA tour, German veteran Tatjana Maria exited the Madrid Open in the first round, losing to 20-year-old Czech qualifier Laura Samson in straight sets, ending her bid to build on a recent semifinal run in Rouen. The result leaves Laura Siegemund and Eva Lys as the only remaining German players in the tournament.
Why did Wendie Renard file a police complaint?
She filed the complaint after a deepfake video used her face without consent to promote a fraudulent investment scheme, aiming to protect both her reputation and potential victims of the scam.
How might Vitinha’s absence affect PSG’s Champions League semifinal against Bayern Munich?
His absence due to a heel injury could weaken PSG’s midfield creativity and tactical flexibility, as he is a key playmaker, though the club has not ruled out his return for either leg.
