Mbappe On partnership begins after Kylian Mbappe ended his two-decade relationship with Nike to join the Swiss sportswear brand as it prepares to enter the soccer boot market.
Kylian Mbappe has ended his two-decade partnership with Nike to join Swiss sportswear brand On as it prepares to enter the soccer boot market.
The move makes Mbappe On’s first major signing for its football expansion, marking a new commercial chapter for the French forward and the brand.
A Two-Decade Relationship Ends
Mbappe’s association with Nike dates back to 2006, when he was just nine years old. Nike acknowledged the significance of that lengthy partnership in its own statement.
“Kylian’s journey with Nike began when he was nine years old,” the company said. “We are proud of what we achieved together on and off the pitch,” Nike added.
The company wished him success as he begins the next phase of his career. Mbappe had increasingly become Nike’s leading soccer ambassador following Cristiano Ronaldo’s later career years.
Why Mbappe Chose On
Mbappe explained his decision centred on building something entirely new within the sport: “What drew me to On was the opportunity to build something entirely new together,” he said. He described a shared vision with the company’s leadership and product teams: “We have a shared dream, and this is only the beginning,” Mbappe added.
He will reportedly receive equity in the Swiss company as part of the deal. Mbappe will work directly with On’s product teams on developing future soccer footwear.
Henry Joins As Soccer Director
On has appointed former France (1.47) and Arsenal striker Thierry Henry as its director of soccer. Henry has reportedly worked in the role secretly since 2025, helping recruit Mbappe. He described the opportunity as requiring a bold and original approach to the sport.
“Building something new in soccer requires a bold and original approach,” Henry said.
On plans to launch its first soccer boots for the mass market in 2027. The company also extended its partnership with Barcelona player Sydney Schertenleib into soccerspecifically.
A Growing Threat To Established Brands
On was founded in Switzerland (1.40) in 2010, initially focused on running shoes. Tennis great Roger Federer became a shareholder in 2019, elevating the brand’s profile significantly. The company’s 2025 financial results showed net sales of £2.73 billion, up 30% year-on-year.
Nike and Adidas still dominate soccer, with their boots worn by more than 40% of World Cup players this year. Mbappe’s departure follows that of Lamine Yamal, who left Nike for Adidas in 2024.
Nike shares fell around 30% this year amid broader struggles under CEO Elliott Hill. On’s shares, by contrast, rose 5% in pre-market trading following Friday’s announcement. Mbappe is expected to debut in On boots within the coming weeks.
What are the key points from the Mbappe On deal?
- Kylian Mbappe ends a 20-year partnership with Nike that began when he was nine.
- Joins Swiss brand On as the face of its soccer expansion and first major signing.
- Thierry Henry appointed as On’s director of soccer and helped recruit Mbappe.
- Equity stake reportedly included as part of the agreement.
- First On soccer boots planned for mass-market launch in 2027.
