Kylian Mbappé, captain of the French national team, is navigating a career defined by both athletic prowess and a sophisticated brand identity. As he heads into a significant World Cup, Mbappé reflects on his journey, emphasizing a mantra of self-belief that has guided his ascent.
Mbappé has cultivated a broad range of partnerships that extend beyond traditional sports endorsements. Since 2018, he has served as an ambassador for Swiss watchmaker Hublot, a collaboration that recently yielded a limited-edition watch featuring the motto "Trust Yourself." This venture is described as part of a larger experience allowing him to reach "new stages in my life as a man."
His relationship with brands began early, with Nike supporting him since 2006. Over time, his portfolio has expanded to include approximately 10 other companies, such as Oakley, Dior, Lego, Accor, and the health-tech firm Alan. Designer Ora-ïto, a collaborator and friend, highlights Mbappé's appeal, noting that he "embodies performance, speed, France. He has style, a kind of elegance in the way he moves." Ora-ïto compares Mbappé to a "Ferrari Testarossa" and points to his communication skills, including his ability to learn languages and speak in a structured manner, as key advantages. "He has a different business model from others; he does not just do underwear ads like some do. He becomes a shareholder in certain companies, or a partner," Ora-ïto observed. The designer suggests that Mbappé is positioned to achieve a similar level of recognition as sports icons like Michael Jordan, Lacoste, or Stan Smith, whose names have transcended their athletic careers. Mbappé's leadership is evident both on and off the pitch as he captains the French national team in upcoming major tournaments.