Confirmed: Kylian Mbappe leaves Nike after long-term relationship to join Swiss sportswear giant

Confirmed: Kylian Mbappe leaves Nike after long-term relationship to join Swiss sportswear giant Kylian Mbappe has ended his long-standing relationship with Nike and joined Swiss sportswear company On in a major move that will see the Real Madrid forward become the face of its expansion into football boots. The Athletic has revealed that Mbappe agreed to join On after his Nike contract expired this summer .  The financial details remain undisclosed, but the deal includes an equity stake in the Swiss company, giving the 27-year-old an interest beyond a conventional sponsorship arrangement. The move also sees Mbappe turn down established football boot rivals Adidas and Puma as On attempts to establish itself in a market dominated by the biggest names in sportswear. Thierry Henry played key role in Mbappe deal On’s push into football comes with another major appointment, as former France and Arsenal star Thierry Henry has joined the company as its Director of Football, a position he has held privately since 2025. Henry played a role in persuading Mbappe to make the switch once his Nike contract came to an end.  The connection between two prominent figures in French football has therefore helped On land one of the game’s most recognisable players. The company made clear that Mbappe’s involvement will go beyond wearing its products. In a statement released, On said he “will be at the heart of On’s football journey, uniting one of football’s defining players with one of sportswear’s most innovative brands.” On also outlined how the partnership will work, adding, “He will work directly with On’s product teams, integrating his elite perspective into the development and testing of future football footwear and apparel.  “He will also become a global ambassador for On, extending the partnership beyond football into movement, performance and contemporary design.” Mbappe wants to help build On’s football future Mbappe leaves Nike for Swiss company On. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) Mbappe’s own explanation suggests the collaboration is built around product development as much as sponsorship. The Real Madrid forward said the chance to help create something new was central to his decision. “From the beginning, what drew me to On was the opportunity to build something entirely new together that will help shape tomorrow’s game.  “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.” That gives Mbappe an unusually hands-on role in On’s football ambitions. Rather than becoming another high-profile athlete on its roster, he is set to work directly with its product teams while also serving as a global ambassador.