Matthew McConaughey is taking on an unexpected new role ahead of one of the world’s biggest sporting events, welcoming soccer fans from across the globe in more than a dozen different languages. The Oscar winner teamed up with his tequila brand, Pantalones Organic Tequila, for a new campaign designed to celebrate the international soccer community as anticipation builds around the tournament. But there is one twist: Matthew McConaughey did not actually record every language himself.
Matthew McConaughey Teams Up With AI For Global Soccer Message
In partnership with ElevenLabs AI technology, and with McConaughey’s permission, the actor recorded an English-language message that was then dubbed into more than a dozen languages using artificial intelligence.
The campaign allows fans around the world to hear McConaughey deliver a personalized welcome in their native language, helping kick off festivities in a way that feels uniquely global. And the actor’s signature voice remains front and center, even as the technology expands his message to audiences far beyond English-speaking fans.
Why McConaughey Is Protecting His Voice In The AI Era
McConaughey’s AI-powered soccer campaign also comes as the actor takes an aggressive approach to protecting his likeness in an increasingly digital entertainment landscape.
In a major legal move, the Oscar winner reportedly secured eight trademarks through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office aimed at protecting his voice, signature catchphrases, and visual likeness from unauthorized AI use.
The goal is reportedly to create a legal safeguard allowing McConaughey to pursue action in federal court if AI companies train models using his persona or attempt to simulate his image or voice without permission. Among the trademarks are protections tied to short clips of McConaughey smiling and speaking, along with an audio registration of his iconic catchphrase: “Alright, alright, alright.”
The added legal protections make McConaughey’s partnership with ElevenLabs notable, as the actor explicitly approved the use of AI technology to help bring his voice to soccer fans around the world.
Matthew McConaughey Has Boozy Advice For Soccer Fans
In the campaign videos, McConaughey also offers fans a playful piece of advice before attempting to speak a new language. According to the actor, warming up with Pantalones Organic Tequila may not make anyone more fluent, but it might make them feel like they are. Fans can check out the campaign and hear McConaughey’s multilingual messages by visiting SpeakSoccer.com.
While embracing artificial intelligence for his multilingual World Cup welcome campaign, Matthew McConaughey also made it clear he sees risks ahead for the entertainment industry, especially for young actors. During a recent conversation with Timothée Chalamet at a CNN and Variety Town Hall event hosted at the University of Texas at Austin, McConaughey warned students that AI replacing human talent may sound far-fetched now, but it is a reality future performers should start preparing for.
“It’s not enough, it may be for you, but it’s not going to be enough to sit on the sidelines and make the moral plea that ‘no, this is wrong!’” McConaughey said. “That’s not going to last. There’s too much money to be made, and it’s too productive. It’s here.”
Rather than resisting the technology entirely, McConaughey encouraged emerging talent to take steps to legally protect themselves, urging students to trademark their personal identity, including their voice and likeness. “I say, own yourself, voice, likeness, etc. Trademark it!” he said.
According to McConaughey, securing those protections can help performers maintain control over their personal brand and ensure they are fairly compensated as AI continues evolving in Hollywood.
Soccer Fans Can Celebrate Offline, Too
The celebration is not staying online. From June 11 through July 19, fans visiting Match House in Atlanta can order the Matchhouse Margarita, made with Pantalones Organic Reposado Tequila, fresh lime juice, and a Tajin-salt rim. For an extra twist, guests can also add a signature Pantalones Boot Shooter to their order.
Meanwhile, fans in Austin can head to Inn Cahoots throughout the tournament to try the Pantalones Organic Margarita, which features organic lime juice and agave nectar. The venue will also host multiple Pantalones activations during key tournament dates in June and July.
Soccer Is Already Personal For Matthew McConaughey
For McConaughey, the soccer connection runs deeper than just a marketing campaign. The actor is a minority owner and official “Minister of Culture” for Austin FC, Major League Soccer’s Austin-based club. Pantalones Organic Tequila also serves as a sponsor of the team, making soccer fandom an existing part of both McConaughey’s personal interests and business ventures.
As the global soccer spotlight intensifies, McConaughey appears more than ready to help fans raise a glass, no matter what language they speak.