France captain Kylian Mbappe has signed with Swiss sportswear brand On, ending a long-standing partnership with Nike that dates back to the beginning of his career, the company announced on Friday.
“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,” On said in a statement.
The company also announced the appointment of 1998 World Cup winner Thierry Henry as its football director, as it prepares to launch its first football boots next year.
Mbappe said he was drawn to the partnership by the opportunity to develop something new with the brand.
“From the beginning, what drew me to On was the opportunity to build something entirely new together that will help shape tomorrow’s game,” he said.
“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.
“We have a shared dream, and this is only the beginning.”
On did not disclose the value or duration of Mbappe’s contract.
Founded in 2010, the Zurich-based company has traditionally focused on running and tennis footwear but is now making a major push into football. Tennis great Roger Federer is among its shareholders and also left Nike late in his playing career to join the Swiss brand.
Mbappe’s departure represents a significant loss for Nike, which has sponsored the Real Madrid forward since 2006 and developed him into one of the leading faces of its football business.
The 2018 World Cup winner is also the tournament’s all-time leading scorer, with 22 goals, and had increasingly become one of Nike’s most prominent football ambassadors following Cristiano Ronaldo’s emergence as the brand’s leading star.
Mbappe’s move follows the departure of Spain winger Lamine Yamal, who switched from Nike to Adidas in 2024.
Nike continues to have several of football’s biggest names under contract, including Norway striker Erling Haaland and Brazil forward Vinicius Junior.
AFP
