Brendan Rodgers has set the internet alight after appearing in a promotional video for Saudi Arabia’s Founding Day celebrations – and plenty of viewers genuinely thought they were watching AI-generated footage.
The former Liverpool and Celtic boss, now managing Saudi Pro League side Al Qadsiah, donned full traditional Saudi robes and posed with a rifle for the clip posted on his club’s social media channels.
It’s the kind of image that makes you do a double take, and that’s exactly what happened across social media on Monday.
“This looks like AI, but isn’t,” one bewildered user wrote, while another admitted they “just assumed it was AI.”
Brendan Rodgers appeared in traditional Saudi garments on social media
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The club has confirmed the footage is entirely genuine.
Speaking in the video, Rodgers offered his “sincere congratulations to all of the people of Saudi Arabia,” adding that the country “has a real rich heritage and a really exciting future ahead.”
When complimented on looking “sharp” in the traditional attire, the 53-year-old showed a touch of self-deprecating humour.
“It probably looks a lot cooler on other people,” he quipped, before turning more serious.
“Today is about respecting Founding Day here in Saudi Arabia, and of course, I will always respectfully wear it. It feels nice and cool.”
“I want to give my sincere congratulations to all of the people of Saudi Arabia, Saudi has a real rich heritage and a really exciting future ahead” 🇸🇦
— AlQadsiah Saudi Club (@AlQadsiahEN) February 22, 2026
Sheikh Brendan on #FoundingDay 🎙️#AlQadsiahpic.twitter.com/Iw689uzoeh
The Northern Irishman also spoke warmly about his early experiences in the kingdom, saying he feels “a real peace with the people here” and praising “the kindness of everyone.”
Rodgers has enjoyed a flying start since taking the reins at Al Qadsiah in mid-December, guiding the team to an impressive 13-match unbeaten streak.
Brendan Rodgers resigned from Celtic in October | REUTERSHis side currently sit fourth in the Saudi Pro League, trailing leaders Al-Nassr by just five points with the title race very much alive.
It’s quite the turnaround for a manager whose Celtic exit was anything but smooth.
The club’s largest shareholder Dermot Desmond didn’t hold back after Rodgers resigned in October, branding him “divisive, misleading, and self-serving” in a remarkable statement that accused him of creating a “toxic atmosphere” at Parkhead.
The online reaction was predictably entertaining, with one user writing that “Brendan Rodgers with a gun was an interesting opening of the app.”
Others couldn’t resist pointing out the surreal nature of the whole thing, with many noting that Rodgers truly is “the gift that keeps on giving.”
It’s worth noting that the former Liverpool manager isn’t the first high-profile footballer to embrace Saudi traditional dress for promotional purposes.
Brendan Rodgers even posed with a gun
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Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Steven Gerrard have all previously worn similar attire as part of social media campaigns in recent years, though perhaps none quite so memorably as ‘Sheikh Brendan’ and his rifle.