Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé has ended his two-decade-long partnership with Nike, signing a major global agreement with Swiss sportswear challenger On.
The transition marks On’s official entry into the global football market, supported by fellow French icon Thierry Henry, who has been appointed as the brand’s Director of Football. The partnership breaks the duopoly traditionally held by established footwear giants, introducing innovative design frameworks and equity collaboration into elite football administration and equipment manufacturing.
Mbappé, who has been sponsored by Nike since childhood and wore their signature Mercurial boots throughout his rise to international stardom, takes on a multifaceted role as global ambassador and direct product collaborator. The agreement breaks new commercial ground by positioning the player as an active stakeholder in On’s long-term product development.
Reflecting on the strategic alliance, former world cup title holder, Mbappé, said: “From the beginning, what drew me to On was the opportunity to build something entirely new together that will help shape tomorrow’s game.”
“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,” Mbappé said.
On Founder and Co-CEO, David Allemann, underscored the brand’s disruptive commercial intent behind entering the football sector following its successful expansions in running and tennis.
“Football doesn’t need another sportswear brand to do more of the same.”
“Football needs new ideas and a challenge to what is possible.
“When we enter a sport, we want to be the brand of the future — through true innovation and contemporary design.
“Our ambition is to bring On’s approach to the pitch, the pavement, and the runway — connecting elite performance with the culture that surrounds the game.
“With Kylian we have the perfect partner to dream what football can become,” he said.
Thierry Henry, whose involvement as Director of Football has shaped On’s strategic entry since late 2025, emphasised the collaborative product focus with Mbappe.
“Building something new in football requires a bold and original approach.”
“Over the past year, I’ve seen first-hand the curiosity and attention to detail the team at On brings to that process.
“We want to listen to players, understand what they need and create something that can genuinely add to the game.
“I’m proud to be part of shaping what comes next,” he said.
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