Paris Saint-Germain midfielder David Beckham has been appointed as China's first global soccer ambassador.

The 37-year-old, who signed a five-month contract with PSG in January, has been acquired to help raise the profile of the Chinese Super League.

"I am honoured to have been asked to play such an important role at this special time in Chinese football history," Beckham said in a statement released by IMG.

"I'm excited by the prospect of promoting the world's greatest game to Chinese sports fans as I've seen first-hand the growing interest in football there. 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."

The Chinese Football Association said: "[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."

Meanwhile, Beckham's side fell to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Reims in Ligue 1 on Saturday.