By Samuel Akpan
France captain Kylian Mbappe has walked away from Nike for Swiss sportswear house On, ending a bond that began in 2006.
The Friday announcement also names 1998 World Cup winner Thierry Henry as the brand’s football director.
On framed the move as its first real step into the world’s biggest sport.
“Today, Swiss sportswear brand On announces its entry into football alongside football champion Kylian Mbappe, marking the beginning of the brand’s journey into the world’s biggest sport,” it said.
The Zurich firm, founded in 2010 and built on running and tennis shoes, did not reveal the value of Mbappe’s deal. It plans to launch its first football boots next, using the Real Madrid forward as the face of that push.
“From the beginning, what drew me to On was the opportunity to build something entirely new together that will help shape tomorrow’s game,” Mbappe said.
He cast the partnership as a chance to invent, not merely endorse.
“I want to bring my experience and perspective into what we create, push what’s possible through innovation, and always stay true to the joy of football.”
For the France skipper, the brief is product as much as poster campaigns.
“We have a shared dream, and this is only the beginning.”
By signing Kylian Mbappé, Swiss sportswear brand On is making a serious, calculated entrance into mainstream football rather than chasing a quick marketing splash.
Mbappé follows a path blazed by tennis icon and On investor Roger Federer, who also famously transitioned from Nike.
The departure represents a significant blow to Nike, which had backed the Real Madrid icon since 2006 and positioned him as the global face of its football franchise.
Mbappe, the 2018 World Cup winner and the tournament’s all-time top scorer with 22 goals, had become Nike’s foremost football ambassador after Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Portuguese great is 41 and nearing the end of his playing days.
His departure follows Lamine Yamal, Spain’s recent World Cup winner, who left Nike for Adidas in 2024.
Nike still holds Norway striker Erling Haaland and Brazil forward Vinicius Junior.