Sporting launch video used AI-altered image of Benfica’s Estádio da Luz | OneFootball

Sporting’s new visual identity launch video, unveiled during the club’s 120th anniversary celebrations, has sparked debate after claims it used AI-edited imagery.

According to Lusa Verifica, the film incorporated a photograph of Benfica’s Estádio da Luz that was altered with artificial intelligence. Reverse image searches traced the original, with edits to seat colours, the roof and the giant screen.

Distinctive features matched between the source and the edited frame, including the roof, a concrete tower, stairways and other structural details. The original photo was found on Pexels, first posted in October 2025.

Sporting’s communications office said parts of the video were created using AI. Spokesperson Gonçalo Santos said any resemblance to a specific stadium arose solely from the generation process, not from a deliberate creative choice or an intentional reference to another club or ground.

Despite that explanation, the fact-check labelled the allegation true, confirming the image drew on a photo of Estádio da Luz before later modification. The stadium has also hosted a concert by Luan Santana.

Source: Glorioso 1904