Kylian Mbappé is poised to become the face of Swiss sportswear company On as it makes a significant push into football boot manufacturing, marking the end of his long-standing endorsement with Nike.
Spanish media reports from earlier this summer indicated that Mbappé, who had been sponsored by Nike since his youth, concluded his partnership with the company on July 31. He is now expected to sign a new, lucrative contract with On, a premium running shoe brand that has been expanding its reach into other sports.
On, which received a $50 million investment from tennis legend Roger Federer in 2019 following its successful entry into tennis, has reportedly agreed to a multi-million-pound deal with the 27-year-old Real Madrid and France star. This partnership is designed to establish Mbappé as the central figure in On's new football division.
While On has seen success in tennis, with players like Ben Shelton endorsing its apparel, its expansion into football boots represents its most ambitious undertaking to date. The company plans to launch its initial line of football boots next year, with subsequent plans to introduce kits and lifestyle products.
Adding further weight to its football ambitions, On has appointed former France international Thierry Henry as its director of football. Henry, who has reportedly been working with the company in a secret capacity since 2025, played a crucial role in persuading Mbappé to join On.
On announced Henry's new role on Instagram, stating, "After a year behind the scenes, working with us on the future of the game we love, meet On’s Director of Football. His view? 'It’s limitless'. Dream On, Football."
Mbappé himself confirmed the new deal on Instagram, sharing his excitement. "Dream On, Football. I still dream of playing football," he wrote. "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 could become a career."
He added, "I have followed this dream for as long as I can remember. Once again it has led me to one of the biggest changes in my life. Now, I find myself surrounded by innovators who dream of the same things I do. Of bringing foot as close as possible to ball. Of bringing the people as close as possible to the game. Of bringing the world as close as possible to play."
The sportswear company also revealed Barcelona and Switzerland women's player Sydney Schertenleib as part of its football expansion.
Mbappé's decision to sign with On means he has bypassed offers from major sports brands such as Adidas, Puma, New Balance, and Under Armour, in addition to Nike. Nike has experienced a notable exodus of high-profile athletes in recent years, with many opting for new endorsement opportunities.
Notable athletes who have recently ended their Nike sponsorships include tennis player Emma Raducanu, who signed with Uniqlo, and footballer Lamine Yamal, who joined Adidas. Other footballers like Harry Kane, Jack Grealish, Kai Havertz, and Lisandro Martinez have also moved on from Nike deals.
Roger Federer's own journey with Nike concluded in 2018, and he subsequently became an investor in On, purchasing a 3% stake in 2019 for approximately $50 million. This investment has reportedly grown substantially, with On's valuation increasing significantly since then.