Cyber safety expert’s concerns over athletes on OnlyFans

Professional athletes are using OnlyFans to sell safe-for-work selfies, but it has raised concerns from experts, who say while their content may be family friendly, the site is not.

Brazilian footballer Douglas Costa, who recently signed as a marquee player with Sydney FC, recently joined OnlyFans. (Photo by DAVID GRAY / AFP)

A cyber safety expert has raised concerns over Australian athletes making use of OnlyFans to post safe-for-work selfies and subscriber-only content.

Brazilian international and Sydney FC’s new marquee recruit Douglas Costa is among the world’s most high profile athletes to take to the subscription platform favoured by adult entertainers to deliver sports and insider content to fans.

The former Bayern Munich and Juventus legend, who has more than six million Instagram followers, said he supported OnlyFans’ push to adopt athletes as brand ambassadors.

“As an OnlyFans creator, I will create exclusive content for my fans that they won’t be able to see on any other social media, and it will make a great difference,” he said in a media statement.

“I hope this partnership will be lasting and I can make my fans happy with my content.”

Costa in action. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

Costa during the AFC Champions League 2 match.

Costa’s page, which is currently free, contains a football highlight reel, a selfie, a 14-second video of him boxing, and a handful of professional shots.

Though the content is family-friendly, the platform itself is not – with anyone attempting to access Costa’s site also suggested adult entertainment content on the platform’s landing page and search engine.

Cyber safety expert Susan McLean said there are other ways to monetise exclusive content without relying on OnlyFans, which is chiefly known for its popularity among adult content creators.

The site requires users to tick a box to confirm they are over 18 – but it does not demand any kind of proof.

Costa during his time with European club Juventus. Picture: Fabrice Coffrini/AFP

“You’d be naive to think you’re just going to sell photos of your painted fingernails on there,” Ms McLean said.

“If a young person wants to see the content of the person they look up to, they’re going to find other stuff – anyone can get into OnlyFans, anyone can subscribe.

“It’s not known as a fitness platform, it’s known as a sex platform – that would be my concern, it will entice young people to go have a look and see what they are doing.”

Ms McLean questioned why athletes would not instead use other platforms for subscriber content.

“If you want to monetise your content, why do you have to do it on OnlyFans when you can use Instagram or YouTube?” Ms McLean said.

“Why do you want to go to a platform that is known for selling sexual content?”

Nick Kyrgios during a practice session ahead of Wimbledon in 2023 Picture: Patrick Smith/Getty Images

Opinionated Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios took to OnlyFans to provide fans with tennis and gaming insider content in 2022.

“I want to create, produce, direct and own content, that’s the future,” Kyrgios said at the time.

“Of course, there’ll be tennis balls involved, tips, tricks and behind the scenes, but also they’ll get to see all different sides of me.

Kyrgios has not posted since July, but the most recent posts include videos of him at Wimbledon, his dog Boo, and an endorsement of cafe chain Joe and the Juice.

While his site is currently dormant, Sydney gym owner Jono Castano previously used OnlyFans to publish exclusive workout videos and nutrition content.

Racing driver Renee Gracie on the track in Perth.

Basketballer Liz Cambage, boxer Ebanie Bridges and racing driver Renee Gracie are among the Australian sporting identities who actually use OnlyFans to post explicit content.

Do you have a story for The Daily Telegraph? Message 0481 056 618 or email [e-mail]