Mbappé Ditches Nike! Superstar Signs Landmark Deal With Swiss Brand
Kylian Mbappé has ended his two-decade partnership with Nike to sign with Swiss sportswear company On, marking On's official entry into football. Mbappé will collaborate directly on developing new football gear, while Thierry Henry has also joined On as Director of Football. This high-profile move highlights the intense competition for top talent in the global sportswear market.
France captain Kylian Mbappé has officially concluded his two-decade partnership with American sportswear giant Nike, signing a groundbreaking agreement with the Swiss sportswear company On. This pivotal move marks On's anticipated entry into the competitive realm of football, a strategic expansion for a brand primarily recognized for its running and tennis products since its founding in 2010.
On publicly announced the agreement on its website, confirming that Mbappé will serve as the central figure of its burgeoning football venture. The Real Madrid forward is set to work directly with On’s product development teams, providing his invaluable experience and perspective to guide the creation and rigorous testing of future football footwear and apparel. Mbappé expressed his enthusiasm for this new chapter, stating that the opportunity to co-create something entirely new and help shape the future of the game was central to his decision. He emphasized his desire to push the boundaries of innovation while remaining true to the inherent joy of football.
This deal brings to an end Mbappé’s long-standing association with Nike, which commenced when he was a teenager and saw him rise to become one of the brand's most prominent global football ambassadors. While the financial terms of the agreement have not been publicly disclosed, Reuters reported that the deal encompasses both cash and equity components, signifying a substantial investment by On in its new football star.
Further bolstering its football ambitions, On has also appointed former France international Thierry Henry as its Director of Football. Henry, a 1998 World Cup winner, has been collaborating with the company behind the scenes since late 2025, playing a crucial role in shaping On’s overarching football strategy and product development. His responsibilities will extend to product innovation, cultivating athlete relationships, and guiding the company's broader engagement within the sport.
On’s expansion into football represents a significant strategic pivot for the brand, following its successful establishment in the running and tennis markets. Tennis legend Roger Federer, who is also a shareholder in On and previously ended his own partnership with Nike, has famously collaborated with the Swiss company. Mbappé’s departure is a notable shift for Nike, which had been linked with the French forward since 2006 and relied on him as one of the most recognizable faces of its football division. Despite this, Nike maintains a roster of other elite footballers, including Norway's Erling Haaland and Brazil's Vinicius Junior. Mbappé’s switch also follows the trend of other high-profile moves, such as Spain international Lamine Yamal’s transition from Nike to Adidas in 2024, underscoring the fierce competition among leading sportswear companies to secure affiliations with football’s biggest names.