The soccer star and the fashion designer will christen 10-month-old Harper later this year and have asked the Desperate Housewives actress to play an important role in their little girl's life.

Longoria said: "Victoria asked me to be Harper's godmother and of course I said yes. I'm absolutely thrilled. Harper is simply adorable."

The Beckhams - who also have sons Brooklyn, 13, Romeo, nine, and seven-year-old Cruz together - will baptise Harper in a lavish ceremony at their UK home and guests are expected to include Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes and Will Smith.

A source told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "David and Victoria feel it's important Harper is christened. And they wanted the ceremony in the UK."

In 2004, the couple - who are currently living in Los Angeles - christened their eldest sons Brooklyn and Romeo at their mansion in Hertfordshire, South East England, with Sir Elton John and his husband David Furnish being made godfathers to the boys.

Mrs Beckham and Longoria became close friends since the Beckhams moved to Los Angeles in 2007 and she recently described Harper as a "chunky monkey".