David Beckham has partnered with Panini America. (FrontRowSoccer.com Photo)

IRVING, Texas – Panini America and Inter Miami CF part-owner David Beckham Wednesday announced an exclusive long-term relationship that makes the former English international a global brand ambassador for the company.

An integral part of the partnership will be Beckham autographed trading cards and memorabilia being available only in Panini America trading card products and through Panini Authentic, the memorabilia division of Panini America at www.paniniamerica.net.

Beckham’s first autographed trading cards will be featured in Panini America’s upcoming 2020 Immaculate Soccer product that will be released on Friday. Beckham will be featured in all Panini soccer products going forward. His first autographed memorabilia pieces (soccer balls, jerseys, photographs and more) also will be available through Panini Authentic beginning in first half of 2021, as travel permits.

Beckham also will be featured in the company’s social media and marketing initiatives surrounding major soccer launches and future event activations.

“This partnership is one of the most significant in our history and we’re ecstatic to be able to bring David into the Panini family in such a meaningful way,” Panini America CEO Mark Warsop said in a statement. “Panini has highlighted David throughout his career dating back to 1996 through our FIFA World Cup Sticker Collections and other Soccer collections – we are excited to move into this next phase by highlighting him as a Global Ambassador through a variety of initiatives, trading cards and unique memorabilia that celebrates his incredible career.”

Front Row Soccer editor Michael Lewis has covered 13 World Cups (eight men, five women), seven Olympics and 25 MLS Cups. He has written about New York City FC, New York Cosmos, the New York Red Bulls and both U.S. national teams for Newsday and has penned a soccer history column for the Guardian.com. Lewis, who has been honored by the Press Club of Long Island and National Soccer Coaches Association of America, is the former editor of BigAppleSoccer.com. He has written seven books about the beautiful game and has published ALIVE AND KICKING The incredible but true story of the Rochester Lancers. It is available at Amazon.com.