Kylian Mbappé has made one of the biggest sportswear moves in recent football history, ending his long association with Nike and joining Swiss performance brand On as the company enters the global football market.
The Real Madrid forward and France captain had been associated with Nike since childhood. Nike said its relationship with Mbappé began when he was nine years old and lasted nearly two decades. His departure now gives On one of football's most recognizable players as the company attempts to establish itself in a market dominated by Nike, Adidas and Puma.
But the arrangement is more extensive than a conventional deal to wear a new pair of football boots.
On confirmed that its agreement with Mbappé includes cash and equity components, although the company has not disclosed the financial value of the partnership. Mbappé is also being directly involved in the development of the company's future football products.
Mbappé Will Help On Develop Its Football Products
On is not simply adding Mbappé to an existing football business. The Swiss company is entering the category and plans to release its first football products in 2027.
According to On, Mbappé has already been working with the company alongside former France and Arsenal star Thierry Henry and Swiss international Sydney Schertenleib. Their experience is being used to test and refine the company's football footwear.
Mbappé said the opportunity to help create something new was central to the partnership.
“From the beginning, what drew me to On was the opportunity to build something entirely new together that will help shape tomorrow’s game,” Mbappé said.
On says Mbappé and its other football partners will provide direct feedback during product development rather than functioning only as promotional faces for the brand.
That makes the agreement notably different from a straightforward footwear endorsement.
Deal Includes Both Cash and Equity
The financial terms have not been publicly disclosed.
However, On confirmed to Reuters that Mbappé's compensation structure includes both cash and equity.
L'Équipe reported that Mbappé has signed a 10-year agreement with On as a global ambassador and has become a shareholder in the company. The French publication also reported that his previous Nike contract ended on July 31, 2026.
The 10-year duration comes from L'Équipe's reporting rather than the financial details publicly disclosed by On, an important distinction because the company itself has not revealed all terms of the agreement.
On Plans First Football Boots for 2027
For On, signing Mbappé is part of a much larger expansion.
The company, founded in Switzerland in 2010 and best known for running footwear, has already expanded into tennis. Football is now its next major sporting category.
On says its first football products are scheduled to become available in 2027 through its website, its stores and selected retail partners.
The company is developing boots using its LightSpray manufacturing technology, which creates a lightweight, seamless upper using a continuous sprayed filament.
On says it is experimenting with football-specific features including different stud configurations and fits, with both laced and laceless versions being tested.
The Financial Times reported that On's strategy is expected to begin with football boots before expanding into kits and eventually lifestyle products.
Thierry Henry Takes Major Role in On's Football Expansion
Mbappé isn't the only major football name involved.
On has appointed France and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry as Director of Football. The company says Henry had already been working with it since 2025 on its move into the sport.
L'Équipe reported that Henry had been discussing On's project with Mbappé for months before the deal was announced.
Swiss midfielder Sydney Schertenleib is another key member of the company's initial football project and is working with On on product development for the women's game.
Together, Mbappé, Henry and Schertenleib give On playing experience across generations and both the men's and women's game as it develops its first football range.
Why Mbappé's Move Is Significant for On
On has already demonstrated how a superstar athlete can become more deeply involved with its business.
Tennis great Roger Federer became an investor in On in 2019 and subsequently worked with the company on product development and its expansion into tennis. The Financial Times reported that On intends its relationship with Mbappé to become a similarly long-term partnership.
Football, however, represents a considerably different challenge.
Nike and Adidas each supplied boots worn by more than 40% of players at the 2026 World Cup, according to Fútbol Emotion data cited by the Financial Times, while Puma accounted for about 10%.
That leaves On attempting to break into a category with deeply established competitors, extensive club and national-team relationships, and decades of football heritage.
The Mbappé signing gives it immediate global visibility, but whether that translates into meaningful market share will depend on more than one athlete.
Jefferies analyst Randy Konik cautioned that football is an expensive market to enter and argued that performance credibility cannot simply be purchased. Reuters also noted that previous challengers have struggled to displace the established football brands.
What Mbappé's Departure Means for Nike
Mbappé's departure also marks the end of a significant chapter for Nike Football.
Nike said Mbappé joined the company at nine years old and became an important part of its football business during their relationship.
“We are proud of what we achieved together on and off the pitch,” Nike said while wishing him continued success.
Mbappé had become closely associated with Nike's Mercurial football boots as his career developed from one of France's most promising young players into a World Cup winner and Real Madrid star.
His departure follows another high-profile change in the football boot market: Spain and Barcelona star Lamine Yamal moved from Nike to Adidas.
Nike nevertheless remains deeply involved in football. Reuters reported that the company retains its agreement with the French national team through the 2033-34 season and has also secured a future partnership with Germany's national teams.
More Than a Change of Boots
The most important part of the Mbappé-On announcement is therefore not simply that one superstar has changed sportswear companies.
Mbappé is joining On just as the Swiss company builds a football business from the ground up. His agreement contains an equity component, and he is participating in the development and testing of products that are expected to reach consumers in 2027.
At the same time, Thierry Henry is directing On's football operation, Sydney Schertenleib is contributing to product development, and the company is attempting to transfer technology developed for running footwear onto the football pitch.
That makes Mbappé's move considerably bigger than a conventional boot switch.
After nearly two decades with Nike, he is becoming one of the central figures in On's attempt to build an entirely new competitor in the global football footwear market.
