Soccer star Kylian Mbappé has ended his longstanding partnership with Nike and signed with the Swiss company, On. The Real Madrid forward had been with Nike since childhood but will now contribute to the development and testing of On’s soccer cleats and apparel. French soccer great Thierry Henry will take on the role of director of football for On following his involvement with the brand since late 2025.
In a statement, Mbappé expressed, “What attracted me to On from the start was the chance to create something entirely new together that will influence the future of the game. I aim to incorporate my experiences into our creations, drive innovation, and maintain the joy of football. We share a common vision, and this is just the beginning.”
Mbappé joins a growing list of athletes leaving Nike, including Arsenal’s Martin Ødegaard, tennis player Emma Raducanu, and Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal. On, which started in 2010 by producing running shoes, saw tennis star Roger Federer become a co-owner in 2019. The brand’s roster includes notable athletes like U.S. Open finalist Ben Shelton and six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Świątek, among others.
According to reports from The Athletic, On’s soccer cleats are set to launch in 2027 as high-end products, with a focus on the women’s market ahead of the upcoming Women’s World Cup. Mbappé is anticipated to debut his new cleats in the coming weeks.
Fan Take: This shift highlights a transformative moment in the soccer landscape, showcasing how brands like On can innovate within the sport. For fans, this could mean fresh, groundbreaking products that enhance the game and resonate with a new generation of players and enthusiasts.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
