POLL: Is David Beckham the New Mark Wahlberg?

The soccer star signs on for a new underwear campaign

Photo: Ignacio Gil/ABC/KORPA/ZUMA; Peter Johnson/Shooting Star

He’s buff. He’s beautiful. He’s … nearly naked?

David Beckham – never one to shy away from public displays of his fit physique – has signed on to become the global, er, “face” of Emporio Armani underwear.

“David has a long-standing friendship with Giorgio Armani and he was excited at the chance of linking up with [him] on a permanent basis,” an industry source tells PEOPLE. “Not only does he get a set fee but he shares in future royalties.”

The soccer icon, 32, shot the new campaign in Los Angeles Nov. 9, according to Women’s Wear Daily, which first reported the deal.

Adds a pal, “It is possible David will be looking down at Times Square and Sunset Boulevard before too long.”