David Beckham was left embarrassed as he slipped over and landed on his backside in front of a group of young Chinese footballers while demonstrating his free kick technique.

David Beckham, 37, dropped to the ground during his Far East tour as part of his five-day ambassadorial visit to China.

The football superstar was dressed in a luxury grey suit and black shoes as he lined up to swing in a free-kick in front of starstruck players from Wuhan Zall club in the Hubei province.

But it all went horribly wrong when the Paris St Germain midfielder lost his balance and ended up flat on his back – although he appeared to take the fall in good spirits.

As David Beckham ran up to curve a ball into the top corner of the goal he took a terrible fall and slipped up into the air before crashing into the ground.

David Beckham slipped over and landed on his backside in front of a group of young Chinese footballers while demonstrating his free kick technique

Meanwhile, the former England captain has vowed to promote football in China over a long period of time, and make it one of the most popular leagues in the world.

“Thank you for having me in your wonderful city,” wrote David Beckham on Friday after being mobbed upon his arrival in Qingdao.

David Beckham, who has played four games for new side Paris Saint-Germain and completed his first 90 minutes last week before the international break, said: “I want people to realize this is not a short-term project.

“It is something that we are very passionate about changing the mentality of the league and bringing youngsters through and making this league as popular as some of the big leagues in the world.”

David Beckham continued: “I’ve always been a fan of Chinese football because I think the players are very talented and they are very passionate.

“When you see the excitement throughout this country when the team has done well you see how important it is to people. I am excited to make a difference.”