Bollywood heartthrob John Abraham gets to indulge his passion for soccer in his next film role.

Abraham, told the that he was thrilled to play the lead in "Goal" -- an upcoming movie about soccer.

"I've always been a huge (soccer) freak and this passion for the game took me all the way to Germany this year to see the World Cup finals,'' Abraham was quoted as saying on Tuesday.

He's also got a soft spot for motorcycles, and shot to fame two years ago in "Dhoom,'' for his role as the leader of a gang of bikers who rob rich Mumbai businessmen.

The "Goal'' production team has begun scouting stadiums in Britain and Spain and hopes to begin shooting later this year.

The Indian media had earlier reported that Indian actor Saif Ali Khan was likely to star in Goal." But the movie's director, Vivek Agnihotri, told Sify.com he had selected Abraham for the role.

"It is great to have John on board,'' Agnihotri was quoted as saying, noting that Abraham was "an avid football fan and a serious player.''