CARLTON unveiled its newest recruit on Monday afternoon - a kid called David Beckham.

Yes, that's the superstar international soccer player, fashion icon, husband of 'Posh Spice' and, if the squeals from the larger-than-usual-for-this-time-of-year turnout at Blues' HQ were any guide, very attractive man.

But before you say it, no. Carlton hasn't somehow found room for Beckham's sizeable wage under its salary cap.

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star is only passing through town with his current team, the LA Galaxy, for an exhibition match against a local mob.

'Becks' and his mates needed somewhere to have a kick, and Carlton was happy to offer up its home ground.

They even had the good grace to paint a soccer pitch over the footy markings and cart in some netted goals.

And so it was that the round ball hero followed Australian football greats like John Nicholls, Alex Jesaulenko, Stephen Kernahan and Chris Judd in gracing the Visy Park turf.

Of course, the Blues couldn't let the occasion pass without making Beckham one of their own, if only for the day.

With Carlton players cramming the viewing platform to get a look - the stars suddenly the starstruck - midfielder Marc Murphy had the honour of presenting the visitor with his very own No.23 Carlton guernsey, complete with 'Beckham' on the back.

(Presumably the incumbent 23, young big man Lachie Henderson, has agreed to shuffle down to something slightly less fashionable - there are some spots available in the late 30s and early 40s.)

Beckham and Murphy posed for a happy snap, and then someone chucked Beckham a Sherrin.

At that point, hopes of a Karmichael Hunt-style code swap became clouded, and soon after Beckham jogged off to join his Galaxy teammates for training.

Just another day in the life of one of the world's most famous men.