Real Madrid: Courtois responds to astonishing “fake Vinicius” theory

Speaking to DAZN Belgium, Thibaut Courtois dismissed a theory circulating on social media about Vinicius Junior’s identity.

A rather unusual story has made its way into the Real Madrid news cycle. Ahead of the Champions League clash with RB Leipzig, Thibaut Courtois was asked by DAZN Belgium about a viral theory claiming that the player currently wearing the Vinicius Junior shirt is not the real Brazilian forward. The speculation was sparked by images comparing his face before and after an alleged cosmetic procedure on his chin.

“Of course it’s Vini”: Courtois puts the rumor to rest

The Belgian goalkeeper left no room for doubt and especially highlighted how easily edited images can fuel false stories.

“With Photoshop, people make edits that give someone a different appearance. Then someone starts a conspiracy theory and it goes around the world. And then I think: ‘This is not possible.’ Of course it’s Vini,” he said.

For Courtois, there is therefore no ambiguity: his teammate is indeed the person he sees every day. The goalkeeper’s response also illustrates how quickly an assumption can turn into a social media phenomenon, even without the slightest credible evidence to support it.

Edited images, a phenomenon affecting footballers

This clarification takes on particular significance at a time when photo montages and AI-generated content are circulating widely. A difference in lighting, angle or image quality can easily be presented as supposed “proof” to fuel an unfounded theory.

Courtois himself recounted that a fake photograph showing him on a hospital bed, surrounded by players and the president, had fooled even his father. “My father sent me a message: ‘When was that?’ I replied: ‘Dad, it’s AI.’”

Read also: PSG: Ousmane Dembélé’s powerful message to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia after his serious injury

Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI |

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Football web writer creating digital sports content with a focus on news, analysis and stories that reflect passion, accuracy and objectivity.

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