David Beckham will star in the Aug. 24 closing ceremony of the Beijing Olympics, PEOPLE has confirmed.

"David is going to be in the surprise finale. They always have a segment to do the handover, to showcase the next city to host the Olympics," a source tells PEOPLE.

When the Games end at Beijing's National Stadium, the distinction of hosting the Summer Olympics transfers to London in 2012 – with the international soccer star there to help mark the transition.

"He was very involved in the London bid to get it, and as a Londoner he is incredibly proud that the Olympics will be in London," the source added. "He is passionate about it and looking forward to the games in 2012."