Kylian Mbappe has left Nike for Swiss sportswear brand On, ending a partnership that began when the French star was nine years old. The move makes him a central figure in On’s expansion into football.
On has also appointed former France and Arsenal player Thierry Henry as its Director of Football. Henry has been part of the company’s football plans since 2025 and helped bring Mbappe on board.
The brand will launch its first football boots in 2027, with kits to follow and an eventual move into lifestyle apparel and trainers. Mbappe will work with On’s product teams on developing and testing footwear and apparel. On wants the partnership to go beyond a typical endorsement, modelled on its collaboration with tennis star Roger Federer. The deal includes cash and equity, though financial terms remain undisclosed.
Mbappe said he was drawn by the chance to build something new and help shape tomorrow’s game. On also plans to bring its robotics-led LightSpray manufacturing technology into its football range.
The challenge is steep. Nike and Adidas boots were each worn by over 40% of players at this year’s World Cup, according to Futbol Emotion data cited by the Financial Times, while Puma stood at around 10%. Football is also a growth engine, with Adidas reporting a 39% rise in its performance division in the second quarter.
For Nike, this is the second high-profile exit after Lamine Yamal’s move to Adidas. Nike said Mbappe had been an important part of its football business and wished him success.
