David Beckham reportedly earns more from playing in a soccer video game than during his career

David Beckham is reportedly earning more from playing in a football video game than he ever did during his career.

The 45-year-old star - who retired from the sport in 2013 - has signed a £40 million (S$70 million) three-year deal to appear as an 'icon' player in the FIFA 21 video game.

A source told the Sunday Mirror newspaper: "FIFA makers EA Sports offered him £30 million over three years but he managed to get a better deal."

"It is a big addition to the Beckham brand and the easiest money he's ever made."

Inter Miami - the Beckham-owned team that recently joined Major League Football in the US - also features in the long-running franchise.

The former England captain - who played for the likes of Manchester United and Real Madrid during his career - took to Instagram earlier this month to promote the new game.

He said on the photo-sharing platform: "23 years later… so proud to be back on the cover @easportsfifa #FIFA21"

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The sports icon - who has Brooklyn, 21, Romeo, 18, Cruz, 15, and Harper, 9, with wife Victoria - also hopes the move will boost his standing in the eyes of his kids.

In another post, he joked: "FIFA21... Can't wait to see myself back on the pitch playing with some of my old team mates! Maybe @romeobeckham and @cruzbeckham will think I am a cool dad now [laughing emoji] @easportsfifa #FIFA21"

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Despite his fame and success, Beckham previously insisted that football was always his number-one priority throughout his career.

He said: "My bread and butter was always what I did on the field and the reason I was successful off the field is because of what I did on the field."

"Back in the day it wasn't normal to do a shoot with David LaChapelle. It wasn't the thing for sportsmen. But I knew that as long as things off the field didn't affect my performance, I could continue to do that."