Raheem Sterling is poised to join the very top tier of commercial earners among world footballers with a Pepsi endorsement that sees him starring in an advertisement spot with Lionel Messi and Paul Pogba, to be announced before next summer’s European championships.

The 24-year-old has been courted by some of the world’s major brands over the last year including Air Jordan, with Sterling a key target for the subsidiary of Nike as they move further into the football market with the potential launch of Air Jordan-branded football boots.

A Pepsi deal represents the high-end of the blue-chip endorsements for the world’s leading footballers.

Sterling’s performances for Manchester City and England have taken him into the elite of the game with two more eye-catching performances for his country over the international week. Another goal for England against Kosovo on Tuesday night means he now has more for club and country this season – eight – than any European-based player other than Paco Alcacer of Spain and Borussia Dortmund.

It has made Sterling one of the most sought-after athletes in world sport and one of the biggest from among the England team since David Beckham’s personal brand spread beyond football almost 20 years ago.