SUMMARY
- Spanish bank Santander used an AI-generated image of Rafael Nadal for one of their campaigns.
- Unfortunately, this move drew a lot of criticism from fans.
Rafael Nadal is one of the most recognizable athletes around the world. The Spaniard’s influence has transcended the boundaries of the tennis court, and he has become the face of several brands. However, Spanish bank Santander created a rather bizarre photo of Nadal using AI, thus starting a storm on social media.
With 22 Grand Slam titles to his name, Rafa has etched his name in the history of tennis forever. He broke and created several records in a career that spanned almost two decades. Given his exploits on the court, several brands vied to sign him on as their ambassador. Santander is no exception to this.
The Spanish bank has several reputable sponsors, including Nadal and the Spanish soccer league, La Liga. Nadal’s partnership with Santander goes a long way back. However, they chose an AI-generated image of Nadal for their brand-new advertising campaign.
😳 Santander Spain used AI to add Rafael Nadal, a brand ambassador, in an advert…
Nightmare fuel 😰🫣😂 pic.twitter.com/XJAde119W9
— Olly 🎾🇬🇧 (@Olly_Tennis_) February 23, 2024
Users have been very vocal against the use of AI-generated art, particularly artists. Artificial intelligence can only go so far as to capture little details and nuances, as clearly seen in this case.
Santander came under fire for it as well, as fans flocked to X to criticize them for this choice. One user pointed out that AI could never understand the intricacies of Nadal’s face. Another openly wondered, “Girl, who TF is this..” Here are a few reactions.
AI will never get Rafa’s face right. There’s something about his face that AI just cannot comprehend. It’s like it doesn’t understand the relationship between his nose and cheekbones. So when it tries we get uncanny valley shit like this 😅 https://t.co/yMVihRQZko
— ℂ𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘-𝕒-𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕔𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕔𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘 (@E_Teezey1286) February 24, 2024
Girl who TF is this I— 😭😭 https://t.co/5AdOIF83Hf
— fee.bee | IGA… (@abysswh1spers) February 23, 2024
Rafael Nadal made his comeback at the Brisbane International earlier this year. Unfortunately, he had to sit out of the Australian Open due to another injury. Nadal is set to play in the US, and he had a chance encounter with his rival.
Rafael Nadal flew to the US with Novak Djokovic
Nadal and Djokovic are fierce rivals, but the two have immense respect for each other. The two of them shared a flight to the US together recently.
Novak last competed at the Australian Open, making it to the semifinals. The Spaniard had to skip the marquee event, but he is fit to return to the courts once more. Novak shared a photo of the duo on the flight together.
View this post on Instagram
Both Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have performed well at the Sunshine Double. Each player will try to outdo the other if they clash on the courts this year. Fans are hoping to see them lock horns soon.