Kylian Mbappe Leaves Nike and Signs With Swiss Sportswear Brand On

French football star Kylian Mbappe has ended his long-running partnership with Nike and signed with Swiss sportswear company On, giving the fast-growing brand a major name as it prepares to enter the global football market.

The agreement, announced Friday, September 18, marks the end of a relationship between Mbappe and Nike that began when the French forward was just a child. Mbappe first joined Nike in 2006 and eventually became one of the American sportswear giant’s most recognizable football ambassadors.

The financial terms of his new agreement with On were not disclosed. The company said the deal includes both cash and equity components, meaning Mbappe will have a financial interest in the Swiss brand as it develops its football business.

The move gives On a major international figure at a crucial point in its expansion. The company, traditionally known for running and tennis products, plans to launch its first football boots in 2027.

Mbappe Becomes Face of On’s Football Expansion

On announced that Mbappe will serve as a global ambassador while working directly with its product teams. His role will extend beyond marketing, with the Real Madrid forward expected to contribute his experience to the development and testing of future football footwear and apparel.

The company said its goal is to bring its reputation for product innovation and Swiss engineering into football.

Mbappe said the opportunity to help create something new was one of the main reasons he was attracted to the partnership.

The French star has become one of the most influential players in world football since making his professional breakthrough at Monaco. His career has included a World Cup title with France, a move to Real Madrid and a growing collection of individual records.

His global profile makes him a particularly important signing for On as the company attempts to establish itself in a sport dominated by major brands such as Nike, Adidas and Puma.

Thierry Henry Takes Key Role at On

On is not entering football with Mbappe alone.

The Swiss company also announced the appointment of former France international Thierry Henry as its director of football. Henry has been working behind the scenes with On since late 2025 on its plans to enter the sport.

Henry brings extensive experience from both international and club football. A World Cup winner with France, he also enjoyed a highly successful club career and later moved into coaching and football analysis.

At On, his responsibilities will include helping shape the company’s football strategy, product development and relationships with athletes.

The company also highlighted Swiss international Sydney Schertenleib as part of its football project. The FC Barcelona player joined On as an ambassador in 2025 and is now expected to contribute to the development and testing of products aimed at the women’s game.

Nike Loses Another High-Profile Football Star

Mbappe’s departure represents another significant change in Nike’s football business.

The French forward had become an increasingly prominent part of the company’s football marketing, particularly as veteran Nike ambassador Cristiano Ronaldo moved into the later stages of his playing career.

Mbappe featured prominently in Nike campaigns and received signature editions of the company’s Mercurial boots. His departure comes shortly after Nike also lost Spanish star Lamine Yamal to Adidas.

Nike nevertheless retains important positions in international football. The company has extended its kit partnership with the French national team through the 2033-34 season and is set to become the official kit and equipment supplier for Germany’s national teams beginning in 2027.

The company also recently lost its long-standing Premier League match-ball contract to Puma, adding to the changing competitive landscape in the sportswear industry.

Nike is currently attempting to revive growth under CEO Elliott Hill, who has placed renewed emphasis on key sports including football and running.

On Targets the Global Football Market

For On, the Mbappe deal represents a major step beyond its traditional business.

Founded in Switzerland in 2010, On built its reputation primarily through running footwear before expanding into other sports and lifestyle categories. Tennis became another important part of its growth, with Roger Federer among the company’s prominent investors and collaborators.

Football presents a much larger commercial opportunity but also puts On directly against some of the world’s biggest sportswear companies.

The company plans to introduce its first football boots in 2027. Mbappe’s involvement is expected to give On direct access to the experience of an elite player during the product-development process.

Rather than simply serving as an advertising figure, Mbappe will work with On’s designers and product teams as they develop the company’s football range.

On says its approach will emphasize performance, innovation and design while attempting to establish a distinctive identity in football culture.

Mbappe’s Next Chapter With On

The timing of Mbappe’s move is significant. His previous Nike agreement covered a period in which he developed from a teenage prospect into a World Cup champion and one of the world’s leading footballers.

Now, at Real Madrid and after another major stage of his international career, he is entering a new commercial partnership that could shape the next generation of his football image.

For Nike, losing Mbappe removes one of its most recognizable younger football stars. For On, signing him provides an immediate global profile as the company prepares to release its first football products.

On’s US-listed shares initially rose as much as 5% in premarket trading following the announcement before giving back some of those gains. Nike shares were little changed, suggesting investors viewed the announcement as more significant for On’s expansion strategy than an immediate financial turning point for Nike.

The partnership will ultimately be tested when On’s football products reach the market.

With Mbappe involved in their development and Henry overseeing the football operation, On is positioning itself for a serious entry into the sport.

The first On football boots are expected in 2027, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the Swiss company — and a new commercial era for Mbappe after two decades with Nike.