With his artful free kicks, iconic haircuts and cutting-edge clothes, he is worshipped by millions from London to Tokyo. But even the most devoted admirers of David Beckham may struggle to embrace his latest incarnation - as Jesus the Messiah.

The footballer takes centre stage in a larger-than-life painting which has been unveiled at a west London gallery. With outstretched arms, a bare torso and a golden halo circling his blond hair, he is wearing little more than a serene smile.

The portrait is part of a new exhibition of sporting greats by London artist Sharon Lutchman. Although he was the only figure among her pantheon of stars who declined an invitation to sit for his portrait, the artist is no less impressed by Beckham than she was before choosing him as a subject.

Ms Lutchman, 35, said: "I decided to paint David Beckham at a very late stage and had to do a lot of research and observational work.

"I had been looking at a lot of 13th and 14th-century icons from Italy, Russia and eastern Europe. In those times any prominent religious figure was made into an icon in paint. And I see David Beckham as a modern-day religious icon - a person who appears as a god. If he had been alive and this influential in the 13th century he would have been painted."

After deciding to paint perhaps Britain's most famous man, Ms Lutchman knew her work needed to be accurate and realistic. "I watched him on television, watched him play football, looked at photographs. I really had to get the face right. I think I have projected him as somebody embracing the world," she said.

It isn't the first time Beckham has been included in a painting with classical echoes. In 1997 a young Beckham lounged at the feet of team-mate Eric Cantona, who was portrayed as a Roman centurion conquering England.

Later his image was added to a Buddhist temple by Thai monks, and last year sisters Amrit and Rabindra Singh depicted Beckham and wife Victoria with son Brooklyn, sitting on their purple wedding throne as Hindu gods Shiva and Parvati. The new Beckham portrait is one of 14 paintings on display at The Lennox Gallery in Moore Park Road, Fulham, until 8 February. World heavyweight boxing champion Lennox Lewis is among the other subjects.

Ms Lutchman, who studied graphic design at St Martin's College and has been painting professionally since the Eighties, has had a lifelong interest in sport.

Her grandfather was South African lightweight boxing champion. For the past six years she has been painting portraits of famous sporting figures, including England cricket captain Nasser Hussain, former England rugby skipper Lawrence Dallaglio and yachtsman Tony Bullimore.

Her subjects have left a lasting impression on her, Ms Lutchman said. "They were all totally dedicated and driven and that was the constant theme running throughout the paintings.

"It is sheer motivation that separates champions from the rest of us." She intends to continue her project - and hopes to persuade Beckham to sit for her.

"This is a turning point in my work, something I really feel I can work on for a long time," said Ms Lutchman.

"I can't convince any one person to sit for me. I just write them a letter explaining what I do and detailing my experience and exhibitions. David Beckham couldn't make it this time but I hope he will agree to a sitting in future."