US President Barrack Obama took a dig at David Beckham at the traditional winners' ceremony at the White House.

Teasing the Los Angeles Galaxy captain as a young up-and-comer on the team, Obama mocked his line of underwear.

"He is tough. It is a rare man who can be that tough on the field and have his own line of underwear. David Beckham is that man," Obama said while speaking about his performance, reported Yahoo.

The quip evoked laughter from the whole team while the former England captain who sported a three-musketeer hair style grinned with embarrassment.

In February 2012, H&M aired ads showing Beckham's new collection of undergarments during the Super Bowl.

The Galaxy were being honoured on Tuesday for their Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup triumph in 2011.

"I have to say, I gave David a hard time. I said half his teammates could be his kids. We're getting old, David, athough you're holding up better than me. Last year at the age of 36, David had his best year in MLS, leading the team with 15 assists. He did it despite fracturing his spine halfway through the season and injuring his hamstring a week before the championship game," Obama remarked.

By the end of 2011 Beckham was expected to move back to Europe after his contract expired with the Galaxy but he signed a new deal hinting at his desire to finish his career in MLS. Beckham joined the Galaxy in 2007.

The team has other star players including midfielder Landon Donovan and forward Robbie Keane.

"So everyone who's a part of this club - the staff, the players, the fans back in the LA - together you pulled off one of the toughest feats in team sports. You lived up to the hype. You combined start power, hard work; it paid off," said Obama.

As well as being honoured by Obama, the team joined First Lady Michelle Obama on the White House's South Lawn.

The team later took questions from young players as part of Let's Move event to encourage them to make sports a healthy lifestyle.

Obama and Beckham
Obama holds a team jersey as he poses with members of the 2011 Major League Soccer champions, Los Angeles Galaxy soccer team, in the East Room at the White House in Washington Reuters
Obama and Beckham
President Obama poses with a personalized Los Angeles Galaxy shirt as he greets the MLS Cup-winning team at the White House. Reuters
Obama and Beckham
Obama talks about members of the 2011 Major League Soccer champions, Los Angeles Galaxy soccer team, in the East Room at the White House in Washington Reuters
Obama and Beckham
Obama speaks in front of members of the 2011 Major League Soccer champions, Los Angeles Galaxy soccer team, in the East Room at the White House in Washington Reuters
Obama and Beckham
Obama shakes hands with Beckham as he honors the 2011 Major League Soccer champions, Los Angeles Galaxy soccer team, in the East Room at the White House in Washington Reuters
Obama and Beckham
Beckham arrives as Obama plays host to a Let's Move! soccer event with students from across the country and members of the reigning Major League Soccer champion LA Galaxy, in the state dining room at the White House in Washington Reuters
Obama and Beckham
Michelle Obama plays host to a Let's Move! soccer event with students from across the country and members of the reigning Major League Soccer champion LA Galaxy including David Beckham, in the state dining room at the White House in Washington Reuters
Obama and Beckham
Michelle Obama plays host to a Let's Move! soccer event with students from across the country and members of the reigning Major League Soccer champion LA Galaxy including David Beckham, in the state dining room at the White House in Washington Reuters
Obama and Beckham
Beckham and some of his LA Galaxy teammates sign autographs for young soccer players after a Let's Move! soccer event with students from across the country in the state dining room at the White House in Washington Reuters
White House Super Bowl Los Angeles Barack Obama