Mbappé Leaves Nike for On in Major Move into Football

Swiss sportswear brand On has made a major entry into football by signing a boot deal with French star Kylian Mbappé, ending his 20-year partnership with US sportswear giant Nike.

The deal sees Mbappé become a global brand ambassador for On, while working directly with the company’s product teams to develop its football boots and apparel.

Mbappé, widely regarded as one of the world’s leading footballers, has been sponsored by Nike since childhood. Financial terms of his new agreement with On were not disclosed, although The Athletic reports that the deal includes an equity stake in the Swiss company. 

Founded in 2010, On is best known for its running shoes but has expanded into other sports, including tennis and padel. The partnership with Mbappé represents a significant step in its broader push into football.

“From the beginning, what drew me to On was the opportunity to build something entirely new together that will help shape tomorrow’s game,” said Mbappé, who ranked 13th in SportsPro’s list of the world’s 50 Most Marketable Athletes in 2025.

“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’s departure is the latest setback for Nike in the highly competitive football sponsorship market. Spanish teenager Lamine Yamal left the brand for German rival Adidas in 2024, although Nike continues to count Norway striker Erling Haaland among its high-profile football ambassadors.

For On, securing Mbappé is a key part of its strategy to establish itself in football. The company has also appointed Thierry Henry as its director of football.

On said the French Fifa World Cup winner and Arsenal legend has been working with the brand since late last year and will now continue to play a role in both product development and athlete relationships.

The company is also expanding its partnership with Barcelona midfielder Sydney Schertenleib, who became the first footballer to partner with On in December as a training and lifestyle ambassador.

The Switzerland international will now collaborate with On on products designed for the women’s game, further supporting the brand’s expansion into football.

The reported decision to give Mbappé equity in On follows a similar approach to the company’s partnership with tennis legend Roger Federer, who invested in On in 2019.

Federer’s involvement helped raise the profile of On and coincided with the beginning of the company’s expansion into tennis. The brand has since added Poland’s Iga Świątek and American Ben Shelton to its roster, alongside endorsement partnerships with athletes across endurance sports and padel.

However, entering the fiercely competitive football market could prove a different challenge.

Nike and Adidas have traditionally dominated the football boot market, competing with brands including Puma, Under Armour and New Balance. Trainer brand Skechers made its most prominent entry into football recently by signing a lifetime deal with England captain Harry Kane.

On will be looking to replicate the rapid growth it has achieved in running, where its technology-focused footwear has helped it gain market share from established sportswear brands.

The partnership with Mbappé gives On a high-profile platform as it seeks to establish its football credentials and develop a new generation of boots and apparel for the global game.