Kylian Mbappé has officially ended his decades-long partnership with Nike to sign a landmark agreement with Swiss sportswear brand On, entering into a new chapter that includes equity ownership in the company and a prominent role in shaping its upcoming football division, according to company announcements and reports from El Mundo and Vistazo.
A Historic Shift Away From Nike
The Real Madrid forward and France national team captain finalized his move to On after his previous contract with Nike expired on July 31, according to El Mundo and Vistazo. Mbappé had been tied to the American sportswear giant since his early youth and teenage years, growing up through the ranks while wearing the brand’s boots. According to a source close to the negotiations cited by El Mundo, the star forward also became a shareholder in On as part of the agreement, though specific financial terms and the exact value of his investment were not publicly disclosed by the company.
On Enters the Global Football Market
Founded in the Swiss Alps in 2010, On has built its global reputation primarily on running footwear and tennis gear, backed by prominent investors such as tennis legend Roger Federer. With the acquisition of Mbappé, the brand officially enters the global football market. In an official company statement reported by El Mundo, the firm announced, “The Swiss sportswear brand On enters football alongside champion Kylian Mbappé, marking the start of the brand’s path into the world’s most popular sport.” The company confirmed that Mbappé will serve as a global ambassador and work directly with product teams to design footwear and equipment that adapts to the foot like a “second skin,” according to Vistazo.
Thierry Henry Joins the Project
The ambitious football launch also features another French football icon. On confirmed that 1998 World Cup champion Thierry Henry has been named director of the company’s newly formed football department, as reported by El Mundo and Vistazo. Henry will take on a central role in the strategic development of On’s football division. According to Vistazo, the presence of the legendary former striker was a key influence in convincing Mbappé to join the Swiss brand, uniting two generations of French national team captains in a single commercial and developmental venture.
Commercial Impact on the Industry
The departure of Mbappé marks a significant commercial blow for Nike, which had positioned the Frenchman as its premier global football asset alongside veteran Cristiano Ronaldo, while maintaining other elite players such as Erling Haaland and Vinícius Júnior. The loss follows Nike’s 2024 departure of Spanish prodigy Lamine Yamal to Adidas, though Nike recently secured a major victory by wresting the German national team kit sponsorship away from its rival after 70 years. Mbappé expressed enthusiasm for his new venture, stating in the company’s release, “From the beginning, what attracted me to On was the possibility of building something totally new together, which helps shape the game of tomorrow. I want to bring my experience and my point of view to what we are creating, push boundaries through innovation, and always stay true to the joy of football.”
Next Steps and Future Outlook
With his club commitments underway at Real Madrid and international duties ahead with France, Mbappé’s transition to On gear will be closely watched across European football as the brand prepares to roll out its new football footwear lines. Fans and analysts can follow On’s upcoming product launches and football division updates through the brand’s official channels.
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