Kylian Mbappé Signs with Swiss Brand On—A New Era in Football
Kylian Mbappé has ended his long-running partnership with Nike and signed with Swiss sportswear brand On, a move that drags one of football’s biggest stars into one of the industry’s fastest‑rising names.
The deal, announced on Friday, marks On’s formal step into elite football after building its reputation in running and tennis. The company framed the move as a statement of intent.
“Today, Swiss sportswear brand On announces its entry into football alongside football champion Kylian Mbappe, marking the beginning of the brand’s journey into the world’s biggest sport,” read its statement.
For Mbappé, who has worn Nike since the start of his professional career, the switch is more than just a logo change.
“From the beginning, what drew me to On was the opportunity to build something entirely new together that will help shape tomorrow’s game,” he said. “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 did not reveal the value or length of the contract, but the scale of the announcement underlines how aggressively the Zurich-based brand intends to challenge the established giants in football.
Henry joins the project
On has also brought in a heavyweight to guide its new venture. The company confirmed that 1998 World Cup winner Thierry Henry has been appointed its football director, adding another French icon to the project.
Henry’s arrival gives On instant credibility inside the game and a direct line to the modern dressing room, as he combines his coaching and punditry experience with a strategic role in shaping the brand’s football identity.
From running tracks to the world’s biggest pitches
Founded in 2010, On built its name on distinctive running shoes before expanding into tennis. One of its most high-profile backers is tennis great Roger Federer, who is a shareholder in the company.
Federer also cut ties with Nike late in his career before aligning with On, a path Mbappé now echoes as he enters the prime of his own.
With Mbappé as its flagship football athlete and Henry overseeing the project, On has moved from the periphery of the sport straight into its front line. The next step is simple, and ruthless: turning bold branding into boots and products that can live up to the names attached to them.
