Beckham has appeared as himself in adverts and documentaries

Footballer David Beckham will take his first major acting role in movie Goal!, in which he will play himself.

Directed by Judge Dredd film-maker Danny Cannon, Goal! is due to be released in August 2005 as part of a ￡100m film trilogy.

"I want to be involved in youth coaching when I finally hang up my boots," Beckham said.

"I believe that the Goal! trilogy will provide a positive message to kids around the world."

The England captain previously played himself in numerous television adverts, and has appeared in football documentary films.

Goal! will also feature appearances by Manchester United player Wayne Rooney, Newcastle United's Alan Shearer and Beckham's fellow Real Madrid players Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane.

The trilogy will follow a Los Angeles footballer, played by Y Tu Mama Tambien star Diego Luna, as his career takes him to Real Madrid via Newcastle United.

Co-produced by Milkshake Films, the final instalment was planned to hit cinema screens in time for the 2006 World Cup.

Cannon joined the project after Nine Songs director Michael Winterbottom quit in June due to "creative differences".

He had already shot some early material for the film, including footage from Newcastle's 3-0 Uefa Cup win against Spanish side Real Mallorca.

Beckham, 29, said he believed that Goal! would "help market the game and develop its appeal and fan base in emerging markets like America and Asia".

"I am only too happy to help that process," he added.

(Agencies)