Blogamole › David Beckham

By Sharmaine Jones

Emporio Armani has recruited another A-list athlete to advertise in their skivvies. No. 1 tennis player Rafael Nadal is the new face — or should we say body — of Emporio Armani Underwear and Armani Jeans.

According to the NY Daily News, the sexy Spaniard is set to appear in the Italian Designer's 2011 ad campaign (Yaay!) but will replace the gorgeous Cristiano Ronaldo (Booo!). Ronaldo's abs are a hard act to follow and despite his career grand slam at this year's U.S. Open, this may prove to be Rafa's biggest challenge to date.

Nadal, a longtime spokesman for Nike, will become the first tennis player to be featured in the ads — before Ronaldo, David Beckham wore the briefs. With fashion photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggot photographing the ads, this could give Rafa a chance to show off his sexy side.

But is Nadal up for the exposure? We caught a glimpse of the tennis star's “goods” when he was featured in New York Magazine's Fall fashion issue in September 2008 and more recently as he rolled around with Shakira in her “Gypsy” music video. Let's just say we are eagerly anticipating the spread.

Who do you think is the sexiest Armani model, Beckham, Ronaldo or Nadal? Tell us in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham, Emporio Armani, Marcus Piggot, Mert Alas, Nike, Rafael Nadal, Tennis

By Sharmaine Jones

The suspense is finally over: The FIFA Executive Committee chose Russia and Qatar as the venues for the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup tournaments.

Despite allegations of corruption and bribery in the voting process, FIFA continued the bidding war, clearly unaffected by England's powerhouse push to host the world's largest fútbol tournament — England's bid committee spent $23 million in the last two years, and Prime Minister David Cameron, Prince William and David Beckham lobbied FIFA for the last three days.

FIFA threw everyone for a loop when it selected Russia as host of the 2018 World Cup with an absolute majority in the second round (over joint bids from Belgium-Netherlands and Portugal-Spain). “It is a great victory,” said Russian bid CEO Alexy Sorokin, whose presentation promised to build 13 stadiums and renovate three others.

Despite an all-star effort from the United States — which sent former President Bill Clinton, hunky soccer star Landon Donovan and Academy Award-winner Morgan Freeman to lobby for the bid — the U.S. delegation couldn't sway the committee in their favor. Neither could Australia, Japan or South Korea. Instead, FIFA shocked the world by opting to hold the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the first to be held in the Middle East.

Yes, that Qatar, where temperatures average a sizzling 118 degrees in the summer. Fútbol fans shouldn't sweat it, though. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al-Thani, chairman of Qatar's 2022 bid committee, promised to install state-of-the-art solar-powered cooling systems in the stadiums.

“Heat is not and will not be an issue,” he told FIFA.com. “FIFA made the right decision in awarding the World Cup to our country, where it can inspire positive change. We are so privileged to have a tournament like this coming to our region for the first time. We will not let FIFA down.”

We just hope fans feel safe enough to show up.

Are you planning to go to the 2018 or 2022 World Cup? Tell us about it below.

Tags 2018, 2022, David Beckham, FIFA, futbol, Landon Donovan, Morgan Freeman, President Bill Clinton, Prime Minister David Cameron, Prince William, Qatar, Russia, Soccer, World Cup

By Sharmaine Jones

"Rock N' Gol" gave us our chance to practice screaming at the field last week. Next up: the FIFA World Cup concert on June 10! Unfortunately, our World Cup mode is hampered with some bad news — athlete and eye candy extraordinaire David Beckham will not play in the World Cup in South Africa this year, due to a torn achilles tendon he suffered back in March. Boo!

Beckham, who has played in over 100 championship league matches, currently lends his invaluable experience serving as an assistant coach to England's national football team. He can still play a key role for the squad in South Africa.

The twice runner up for the FIFA World Player of the Year is — according to former captain Rio Ferdinand — “a great ambassador for not just England but for the sport in general. He carries himself in a great way and is looked upon by millions as an idol.”

Trust us Mr. Beckham, we will definitely be looking! Despite crucial injuries, England should finish within the top four behind the top two favorites: Brazil and Spain.

Possessing a physical group of midfielders, defenders and coach Fabio Capello (known for his soccer efficiency), The Three Lions will definitely serve up some stiff competition. According to BettingExpert, Wayne Rooney of Manchester United will be the main key player to watch for alongside Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, former captain John Terry and Peter Crouch.

England's opening match is against the USA in Rustenburg and is scheduled for June 12.

Source: [Goal]

Who are you rooting for at the 2010 FIFA World Cup? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags 2010 World Cup, David Beckham, FIFA, futbol, Soccer

Twilight's Kellan Lutz joins Eva Mendes as one of the new faces bodies of Calvin Klein. Steamy!

The 24-year-old actor will be featured in Calvin Klein’s new underwear campaign for their X underwear line. Kellan joins CK underwear veterans like Mark Wahlberg and David Beckham; so he definitely has some big boxer briefs to fill!

Kellan’s Calvin campaign launches March 1st, but he’ll be putting his pants back on to reprise his role as Emmett Cullen in “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse” when the film hits theaters on June 30.

Photo via Google Images

Tags Calvin Klein, David Beckham, Eclipse, Eva Mendes, Kellan Lutz, Mark Wahlberg, Twilight

Jay-Z has already staked a claim as the new King of New York with "Empire State of Mind," but thanks to a new ranking in Forbes magazine, he can now claim regal status in Hollywood as well. Jay and wife Beyoncé topped the magazine's list of Hollywood's top-earning couples thanks to a combined household income of $122 million between June 2008 and June 2009.

The combination of Jay's musical empire, Beyoncé's chart-topping hits, movie roles and clothing lines and endorsement deals for both helped the couple rake in more than any other power pair, married or unmarried, in entertainment. In case anyone in the household is keeping score, Beyoncé out-earned Jay $87 million to $35 million. It was their second year at #1, after snatching the top spot last year with a combined haul of $162 million. (MTV News)

Photo via Getty Images

Check out the remaining couples in the top 5 after the jump!

Read more...

Tags Angelina Jolie, Beyonce, Brad Pitt, David Beckham, Jada Smith, Jay Z, Victoria Beckham, Will Smith