David Beckham is the new face of Sharpie permanent markers.

In a change from his usual glamorous advertising deals - which include contracts with Emporio Armani underwear, Police sunglasses and Motorola - the soccer star will be the global ambassador for the pens, which are widely regarded as the best autograph marker for celebrities.

He will be appearing in a marketing campaign premiering in the US this month.

Howard Heckes, the global business unit president for Sharpie, said: "Like the Sharpie brand, David embodies individuality and creative expression.

"He is the rare athlete who transcends nationality and sport to command worldwide attention, making him the perfect ambassador for Sharpie marker users who are as passionate about the bold mark of a Sharpie as they are about the colours, variety and almost limitless uses of the product."

David - who shot to fame in the US after signing a deal with Los Angeles soccer team LA Galaxy and moving to the city with his wife Victoria and their three sons - revealed he has always been a fan of the marker pens.

He said: "I have always enjoyed signing autographs for people, especially since I used to love getting my heroes' signatures when I was younger. I love to use Sharpie markers, so it's a natural choice for me to partner with them."

The advertising campaign, which will include adverts in print, online and in stores, will feature in regions globally, including North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia Pacific.

David is not the first sportsman to have signed a deal with the brand. American football stars Terrell Owens, Steve Young and Howie Long, and golfers Gary Player and Arnold Palmer have all fronted campaigns for Sharpie markers.