The Chinese Football Association has made football star, David Beckham its first global ambassador in a deal brokered by the association's marketing partner, sports marketing company IMG.
As part of the deal, Beckham will promote Chinese football domestically to over 1.3 billion people in China.
The deal will also be Beckham promote the country's national competition the Chinese Super League on the world stage.
A spokesperson from the Chinese Football Association said that this year marks the 20th anniversary of professional football in China and the special ambassadorship of David Beckham will attract global attention to Chinese football and the CSL.
While in China, Beckham will attend the CSL and visit clubs to get a deeper insight into football in China.
"He will also help us to inspire and motivate many children to participate in this beautiful game," the spokesperson said.
IMG Asia Pacific and Chairman & President of Greater China, Adam Zhu said the most important reason that makes this ambassadorship a reality is Beckham’s growing role to promote this game on the grassroots level with particular emphasis on inspiring young children to play football.
"I believe Beckham’s own story and his love of the game will inspire a new generation of children to play football in China so Chinese football will take its place on the world stage," Zhu said.
IMG Worldwide recently signed a 10-year deal as a strategic partner and promoter of the CFL.
