Kylian Mbappé has ended his long-running partnership with Nike to become the face of Swiss sportswear brand On’s first move into football. The Real M
Kylian Mbappé has ended his long-running partnership with Nike to become the face of Swiss sportswear brand On’s first move into football.
The Real Madrid forward will play a central role in developing and testing On’s future football boots and apparel, while also serving as a global ambassador for the brand. The deal marks a significant break from Nike, whose Mercurial range had been closely associated with Mbappé throughout his rise to the top of the game.
On said its football strategy will be built around athlete-led product development, drawing on the company’s engineering-led approach in running. Mbappé will work directly with its product teams as the brand looks to challenge established football equipment suppliers.
“From the beginning, what drew me to On was the opportunity to build something entirely new together,” Mbappé said. “I want to bring my experience and perspective into what we create.”
The company has also named former Arsenal and France striker Thierry Henry as its director of football. Henry, who has been involved in planning the launch since late 2025, will help guide product development, player relationships and the wider cultural direction of the division.
Barcelona and Switzerland midfielder Sydney Schertenleib has also joined the initiative, contributing to the development and testing of products for the women’s game.
On plans to apply its LightSpray manufacturing technology to football footwear, aiming for boots that are lighter, more precise and closer-fitting.
The move places the fast-growing Swiss brand in direct competition with football’s dominant equipment makers as it prepares to enter one of global sport’s most lucrative markets.
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