Kylian Mbappé Is Officially an On Athlete
For months, the biggest question around Kylian Mbappé off the pitch was what would come after Nike. His relationship with the American brand had lasted almost his entire football life. Mbappé had worn Nike since childhood, became one of the faces of the Mercurial line and grew into one of the company’s most valuable football athletes. Earlier this year, it became increasingly clear that the partnership was coming to an end after the 2026 World Cup. What nobody knew for certain was where he would go next. Now that answer is official. Mbappé has signed with Swiss sportswear brand On, ending a two-decade association with Nike and becoming the biggest name behind On’s move into football.
From Nike Kid to On Athlete
Mbappé’s relationship with Nike began in 2006, when he was just nine years old. Over the following 20 years, the partnership grew alongside his career. From Monaco to Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and France, the Swoosh became almost inseparable from his image.
That is what makes this move so significant. Mbappé is not simply changing boot sponsors. He is leaving a brand that helped shape his commercial identity and joining one that has never previously competed seriously in football.
The deal reportedly includes both cash and equity, meaning Mbappé will not only represent On but also have a financial interest in the company. Financial details have not been disclosed.
On Is Building Football Around Him
The bigger story is what Mbappé is actually joining. On was founded in Switzerland in 2010 and built its reputation in running before expanding into tennis, helped significantly by its relationship with Roger Federer. Football, until now, had remained mostly untouched.
That is changing quickly. On has confirmed it will launch its first football boots in 2027, with Mbappé expected to work alongside the company’s product teams on future footwear and apparel.
And he is not the only major name involved. Thierry Henry has been appointed Director of Football, having worked behind the scenes with On since late 2025 on the brand’s entry into the sport. Swiss and Barcelona midfielder Sydney Schertenleib is also involved in developing the women’s side of the project.
This is not simply a sponsorship added to an established football division. On is effectively creating that division now, and Mbappé is at the centre of it.
A Different Kind of Partnership
There is an obvious comparison with Roger Federer. Federer joined On in 2019 and did more than appear in campaigns. He became an investor and helped shape products, giving the relationship more depth than a traditional endorsement deal.
Mbappé’s agreement appears to follow a similar direction. The deal contains an equity element, while On has emphasised that Mbappé will help shape its future football products. That could be particularly attractive for a player of Mbappé’s status. At Nike, he was one superstar within the biggest football footwear ecosystem in the world. At On, he can become part of the foundation.
Why This Matters for Nike
Losing Mbappé is significant on its own. But it also comes at an awkward time for Nike Football.
The company has recently seen Lamine Yamal move to adidas, while PUMA has taken over the Premier League match-ball contract. Nike still holds major assets, including the France national-team deal through the 2033/34 season, but Mbappé’s departure is another sign that competition around elite football athletes is becoming more aggressive.
For years, the football boot market largely revolved around Nike, adidas and PUMA. That structure is beginning to look less secure. Skechers has already built credibility through players such as Harry Kane, while brands traditionally associated with running, fashion and lifestyle are increasingly exploring ways into football. On entering the game with Mbappé is easily the biggest statement yet.
What Will Mbappé Actually Wear?
That is now the most interesting unanswered question. On’s first football boots are not expected until 2027, meaning the brand still has a development period ahead before its products officially reach the market.
For a player as closely associated with the Nike Mercurial as Mbappé, the eventual first On boot will carry enormous expectations. It will need to work as an elite performance product first. But it will also need to establish an identity strong enough to compete visually with football boots that have decades of history behind them.
Mbappé gives On attention immediately. Turning that attention into credibility will be the harder part.
Football Has a New Challenger
When the possibility of Mbappé leaving Nike first emerged, the story was mainly about the end of a remarkable long-term relationship. Now the story is much bigger. Mbappé is officially an On athlete, joining a company making its first serious move into football, alongside Thierry Henry, with its first football boot still to come.
For On, it is an enormous statement. For Mbappé, it is a chance to help build something almost from scratch. And for football’s biggest sportswear brands, one of the most valuable athletes in the game has just given a new competitor instant credibility.
Images in this article are sourced from publicly available social media and online platforms. If you are a rights holder and wish to request removal, please contact us.
Ready for more?
If you want to read more on Mbappé leaving Nike, check out our article on when the news first emerged.
From bold investments to exciting partnerships, discover more stories about game-changing business ventures.
Want to stay updated with Life After Football exclusive content, behind-the-scenes stories, and lifestyle from beyond the pitch? Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram!
