Kylian Mbappé quits Nike and becomes face of On's football expansion
The Real Madrid forward has signed with Swiss firm On as Thierry Henry, now Director of Football, helps lead the brand's expansion into football.
Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappé has ended his long-term partnership with Nike and become the central figure in Swiss sportswear company On’s first major push into football boots, the club forward and the firm announced on 19.09.2026.
On doubles down on football with Henry and Mbappé
On has expanded its football operations by appointing former France and Arsenal star Thierry Henry as its Director of Football — a role he has held since 2025 — and the company says Henry played a part in persuading the 27-year-old to join once his Nike deal expired this summer.
The move follows On’s earlier signings of high-profile ambassadors: Roger Federer joined the company in 2019 and was given a stake, and current US Open finalist Ben Shelton is among the athletes now wearing On apparel and footwear.
Financial terms of Mbappé’s agreement were not disclosed, but it was reported that he was given an equity stake in the Swiss firm. In a company statement On said that the French forward “will be at the heart of On’s football journey, bringing one of the defining players in football together with one of the most innovative sportswear brands.”
On added that “He will work directly with On’s production teams, integrating his elite perspective into the development and testing of future football boots and apparel. He will also become a global ambassador for On, expanding the partnership beyond football into movement, performance and contemporary design.”
Mbappé commented on the partnership: "From the very beginning, what drew me to On was the opportunity to build something entirely new together that will help shape the game of tomorrow. I want to bring my experience and perspective into what we create, expand our possibilities through innovation and always stay true to the joy of football. We share a dream and this is only the beginning," he said.
Mbappé also posted a message on social media reflecting on his relationship with the game: “Dream On, Football. I still dream of playing football. That might surprise you, coming from someone who plays it for a living. But it’s true. I still dream of playing with my friends. Playing until sunset. Until dinner. Playing just because it was a game, long before it…”
Photo: press material from the event
