The spot, created by the BBDO network, reflects Pepsi's strategy of using high-profile individuals to endorse the brand rather than sponsoring events.
However, the millions Pepsi has spent on the Beckham deal could be diluted by Coke, which is also using the England skipper on limited edition bottles to leverage its partnership with the Football Association. Senior sports marketers said Pepsi had been naive in assuming that it would have exclusive access to Beckham in the soft drinks sector.
"This is embarrassing for Pepsi, because it has not secured the highest-profile footballer in the country on an exclusive basis,
said Matthew Patten, chief executive of M&C Saatchi Sponsorship.
Pepsi denied reports that it was taking legal advice and insisted that consumers would recognise the strength of its relationship with the player.
"David has a long-term relationship with Pepsi and we are confident that customers would recognise he has signed with a winning team,
said a Pepsi spokesman.
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