Real Madrid and France forward Kylian Mbappe has ended his long-standing partnership with Nike after signing a new deal with Swiss sportswear company On.
The agreement, announced on Friday, September 18, marks a major change in the 27-year-old’s commercial career and coincides with On’s planned entry into the football market.
Mbappe had been associated with Nike since 2006, when he was only nine years old. The partnership grew alongside his rise from a highly rated young player in France to one of the biggest names in world football.
On described the agreement with Mbappe as part of its entry into football, with the company planning to launch its first football boots in 2027. The financial terms of the partnership were not publicly disclosed, although Reuters reported that the deal contains both cash and equity components.
Mbappe said the opportunity to help create something new was one of the factors that attracted him to the Swiss 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,” Mbappe said.
The France captain added that he wants to bring his experience and perspective into the development of the company’s football products while pushing innovation and maintaining his enjoyment of the game.
The partnership places Mbappe at the centre of On’s ambitious expansion beyond its established presence in running and tennis.
The Swiss company was founded in 2010 and has grown rapidly in the sportswear industry. Tennis great Roger Federer is among its shareholders, while the company has increasingly expanded its profile through high-profile athletes and product development.
On has now turned its attention to football, one of the world’s biggest sporting markets, and has recruited another prominent French football figure to strengthen its plans.
Former France international Thierry Henry has been appointed as the company’s director of football. The 1998 World Cup winner is expected to play a role in the development of On’s football strategy, including its products and relationships with athletes.
The company intends to launch its first football boots next year, with Mbappe expected to contribute his experience as an elite player to the development and testing process.
On said Mbappe will work directly with its product teams, helping shape future football footwear and apparel. He will also serve as a global ambassador for the company beyond football.
The move brings an end to one of football’s longest-running athlete-brand relationships.
Mbappe’s partnership with Nike began during his childhood and continued through his emergence at Monaco, his move to Paris Saint-Germain and his subsequent transfer to Real Madrid.
During that period, Nike made Mbappe one of the leading faces of its football business. The forward featured prominently in the company’s campaigns and received signature editions of its Mercurial boots.
His departure comes at a time when Nike is facing increased competition for some of football’s biggest young stars. Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal has also recently moved from Nike to Adidas, adding to changes among the sport’s leading commercial ambassadors.
Nike nevertheless continues to have a significant presence in international football. The company recently extended its agreement to supply France’s national team kits through the 2033-34 season and is also set to become the official kit and equipment supplier of the German national teams from 2027.
For On, signing Mbappe represents an opportunity to immediately establish credibility in football ahead of the launch of its first boots.
The company will be entering a market dominated by established brands such as Nike, Adidas and Puma, making the involvement of a player of Mbappe’s profile particularly significant for its new football project.
Mbappe’s decision also reflects the forward’s interest in being involved in product development rather than simply serving as a traditional brand ambassador.
The Real Madrid forward said he was attracted by the opportunity to contribute his experience and help shape the future of football products.
With On preparing to unveil its first football boots in 2027, Mbappe’s role could become an important part of the company’s strategy as it attempts to establish itself in the global football footwear market.
For Mbappe, the move marks the beginning of a new commercial chapter after two decades with Nike. For On, it represents one of its biggest steps yet into a new sport.
The partnership will now be closely watched as the Swiss brand prepares to release its first football products and Mbappe continues his career at the highest level with Real Madrid and France.
