First it was Vinnie Jones, now it seems Guy Ritchie is trying to launch the acting career of a second soccer star.

The director has cast David Beckham, who retired from soccer in 2013, in a minor role in his upcoming epic about King Arthur.

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Beckham will appear as a “Blackleg Leader” in the film Knights of the Roundtable: King Arthur, which also stars Charlie Hunnam and Jude Law.

The 40-year-old has already appeared in one of Ritchie’s films with a cameo role in this year’s The Man From U.N.C.L.E.

Beckham said he was aware he might cop criticism for his acting in the film.

“I am very aware that many sportsmen and other celebrities have turned their hand to acting and failed,” he said.

“I can deal with most things. I am a well known person, so I have got used to the criticism.”