Could Kylian Mbappé Really Leave Nike After 19 Years?
Kylian Mbappé wearing Nike boots has become one of those things in football that barely needs thinking about. He wore the Swoosh before becoming a professional, through his breakthrough in Monaco, a World Cup triumph with France, his years at Paris Saint-Germain and now at Real Madrid. That relationship could be coming to an end. After almost two decades together, Mbappé’s Nike deal was reportedly due to expire on July 31, with no new agreement publicly announced. Nike have been working to keep one of the biggest names in world football, but no new agreement has been announced. What happens next could become one of the biggest moves in football sponsorship for years.
Nike Since the Beginning
Mbappé’s relationship with Nike stretches back around 19 years, long before his breakthrough at Monaco. As his career grew, so did his importance to the brand. Over the past seven years alone, Nike has released 12 signature Mercurials for the Frenchman, turning the boot into an important part of his image on the pitch.
Nike increasingly positioned him alongside the biggest names in its football roster, particularly as Cristiano Ronaldo moved towards the later stages of his career. The partnership followed Mbappé through almost every major moment. He won the 2018 World Cup wearing Mercurials, became France captain, moved to Real Madrid and developed into one of football’s most recognisable athletes.
That is what makes the possibility of him wearing something else feel so strange.
One Last Golden Boot?
The timing makes the story even more interesting.
Nike recently unveiled a gold Mercurial Superfly 11 Player Edition celebrating Mbappé’s Golden Boot at the 2026 World Cup. Metallic gold covers most of the boot, while personal details include his initials, a French rooster, his birth year in Roman numerals and the phrase “Hungry For More”.
They could now prove to be one of his final signature releases with Nike.
It would be an unusual ending to the partnership: a boot celebrating Mbappé reaching another individual milestone arriving almost at the exact moment his long-term relationship with the company reached the end of its contract.
Not Necessarily adidas or PUMA
Normally, the next part would be fairly predictable. A superstar becomes available, Nike, adidas and PUMA compete, and eventually another enormous sponsorship deal is announced.
Mbappé’s situation could be different.
Among the possibilities currently being discussed is a move away from football’s usual boot giants, although there is no confirmed next partner. Rather than simply becoming the face of another existing boot, the idea would give Mbappé the opportunity to help build something around his own name.
That would make the decision much bigger than choosing which boots to wear next season. At 27 and at the height of his commercial power, Mbappé has the opportunity to think about what his name looks like beyond his playing career.
A Huge Decision for Nike
Losing Mbappé would be significant for Nike too.
The company has spent years positioning him as one of the central faces of Nike Football. He appeared prominently in its 2026 World Cup campaign alongside names from football, sport and entertainment, while his signature Mercurials have given Nike a recognisable player-led product line.
There is also history here. Neymar’s departure for PUMA in 2020 showed that even relationships between the biggest footballers and biggest brands do eventually end. Mbappé leaving after nearly 20 years would arguably be an even bigger shift.
Especially because Nike’s connection to French football is going nowhere. The company has extended its partnership with the French Football Federation until 2034, meaning Mbappé will continue wearing Nike whenever he represents France regardless of which boots he eventually chooses.
What Happens Now?
For now, there is no new boot deal to announce.
Mbappé’s reported Nike deal has reached its expiry point, but neither side has publicly confirmed the end of their relationship or what comes next. That leaves one of football’s most valuable sponsorship situations unusually open.
Staying with Nike remains possible. So does eventually joining another established sportswear company. Then there is the far more interesting prospect of Mbappé using this moment to build something different altogether.
After almost 20 years, seeing Kylian Mbappé without Nike would already take some getting used to.
Seeing him launch the next major football brand himself would turn the story into something much bigger.
Ready for more?
If you want to read more on Mbappé, check out the article on Mbappé‘s charity program.
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