Kylian Mbappé Ends Nike Era for New Partnership with On Holding

Kylian Mbappé has drawn a hard line under nearly 20 years with Nike and stepped into a new era with Swiss brand On Holding, in a move that could reshape the football boot market as sharply as any transfer reshapes a dressing room.

The Real Madrid forward, who first signed with Nike at the age of eight, has agreed a landmark partnership with On as the company makes its first serious push into professional football. For a player who grew up as one of the faces of the Swoosh, it is a seismic break.

For years, Mbappé sat at the heart of Nike’s global strategy. He shared top billing with Cristiano Ronaldo and Vinícius Júnior, fronted major campaigns and became the leading face of the Mercurial line, the boot that has defined Nike’s speed generation. His own signature editions, emblazoned with his name, underlined his status in the same commercial bracket as Ronaldo.

That chapter is now closed. Mbappé’s contract with Nike expired on July 31, and while he continued to appear in Nike promotions and the brand kept him visible across its channels, uncertainty swirled around his next move. The wait is over.

“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 in the official announcement. “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.”

On, until now, has built its reputation on running technology and minimalist design. The company has been steadily broadening its sporting footprint, and in November 2019 it brought in Roger Federer as an investor and strategic partner. The Swiss tennis great later helped launch his own signature line with the brand, moving from Nike loyalist to shareholder and product architect.

Mbappé is following a familiar trail. Federer’s switch from Nike to On set a clear precedent for a superstar stepping away from a long-standing giant to help build something new. On’s move into football, anchored by one of the sport’s most marketable players, signals that it is not content to remain on the fringes.

For Nike, the split closes a relationship that ran from Mbappé’s academy days, through his explosion at Monaco, his global ascent at Paris Saint-Germain and his arrival at Madrid. The American brand backed him every step of the way, turning him into a central pillar of its football identity.

Now, after almost two decades, the Swoosh and the superstar part ways. Mbappé will not just wear a different logo; he is expected to have a direct hand in shaping On’s first dedicated football collection, from design to performance detail.

A defining partnership in modern football marketing is over. The next one, Mbappé insists, is only just being written.