ChinaFotoPress/ChinaFotoPress via Getty ImagesDavid Beckham has a new title.
The 37-year-old soccer stud has been named China's first-ever ambassador for soccer—or football, as the game is known outide the U.S.—in an effort to boost the sport's popularity in the country.
Becks arrived at the Beijing Capital International Airport this morning where he received a hero's welcome from hoards of local fans.
Beckham, dashingly dressed in a gray suit and tie, was all smiles while meeting with students at the Shijia Hutong Primary School, who were dressed in traditional Chinese costumes.
At the school, the sports star played a game of soccer (swoon!) and spoke to the media about his role promoting the Chinese Super League.
"I'm excited by the prospect of promoting the world's greatest game to Chinese sports fans, as I've seen firsthand the growing interest in football there," Becks reportedly said during his speech. "This is a wonderful sport that inspires people across the world and brings families together, so I'm relishing the opportunity of introducing more fans to the game."