Real Madrid campaign hit by AI clip row and Haaland claim backlash

Real Madrid’s election atmosphere has been dragged into two separate controversies after a viral José Mourinho clip was disputed as artificial intelligence content and Manchester City threatened legal action over claims linking Erling Haaland to the club.The issues matter commercially because they expose the club and its campaigns to escalating scrutiny around content provenance, player image usage and the credibility of statements made in a highly amplified public setting.A short video circulated online showing Mourinho wearing Real Madrid colours and apparently backing Florentino Pérez, feeding into campaign messaging that Mourinho would return to coach the club if Pérez wins.Reports in Portugal said Mourinho denied recording the clip and suggested it was created using AI, raising questions around authenticity and the use of synthetic media in election messaging.The timing has intensified the impact, with campaign narratives already heightened and social platforms accelerating distribution before verification can take hold.A separate flashpoint has centred on Haaland after Real Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme spoke about signing the Manchester City striker and displayed a Real Madrid shirt bearing his name.Manchester City moved quickly to reject the claims and signalled possible legal action related to the use of the player’s image in that context.A City spokesperson said: “The stories which have emerged from Spain regarding the future of Erling Haaland are untrue. There is no chance of this happening and there is no contractual clause to enable it. We are considering legal action for the use of our player’s image in this context.”The club’s stance, and the suggestion of litigation, highlights how election-period statements can trigger direct legal and commercial consequences when they touch contracted players, alleged clauses and implied promises.The two incidents also underline a wider operational challenge for Real Madrid. The club’s scale means campaign content and off-pitch claims can spill into sponsor sentiment, player relationships and institutional trust if not addressed quickly and clearly.