French football star Kylian Mbappe has ended his two-decade partnership with Nike to join the Swiss sportswear brand On. The move marks a significant shift for both the athlete and the company, which is leveraging the partnership to enter the professional football market.
Mbappe, who began his association with Nike in 2006 at the age of nine, will serve as more than a brand ambassador. According to reports from Reuters, the agreement includes an equity stake in the company. The French forward will collaborate on the development and testing of new football footwear and equipment. The company expects to launch its first football boots in 2027.
The partnership with On, which counts tennis legend Roger Federer as an investor and strategic partner, is part of a broader expansion strategy. To support this entry into football, On has appointed former French international Thierry Henry as its director of football. Henry has been involved in the company’s strategic planning since late last year. Additionally, Swiss international and Barcelona player Sydney Schertenleib has joined the project to assist in the development of products for women’s football.
In a statement regarding the transition, Nike expressed pride in their shared history with the player and wished him success in his future career. For Nike, the departure of Mbappe follows other recent losses in the football sector, including the move of Lamine Yamal to Adidas and the loss of the Premier League ball supply contract to Puma.
Mbappe described the new venture as an opportunity to innovate within the sport. In a statement, he noted his interest in working with the brand to shape the future of football. David Allemann, co-founder and executive director of On, stated that the company aims to introduce new ideas to the sport rather than replicating existing industry standards.
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