Kylian Mbappé leaves Nike for Swiss brand On in landmark football deal | OneFootball

Kylian Mbappé has ended a 19-year association with Nike to become the figurehead for Swiss company On as it enters football. The Real Madrid forward and France captain will front the brand’s push into a market long dominated by Nike, Adidas and Puma.

The player said in a post that the move realises a long-held dream and aims to bring feet closer to the ball and people closer to the game. He will help develop and test boots and apparel. Financial terms and the contract length have not been disclosed.

Challenger brands have been chipping away at the big three, with Skechers now aligned with Harry Kane. Mbappé’s switch is billed as the most powerful entry by a sports brand in years.

Founded in Zürich in 2010 by former triathlete Olivier Bernhard with David Allemann and Caspar Coppetti, On built its name in running. It listed in New York in 2021 and in 2024 posted sales of 2,320 million Swiss francs and profit of 242 million.

Roger Federer became a shareholder in 2019 and co-created The Roger line. He is not a founder, and estimates put his stake near 2.5%, which On has not confirmed.

On plans to apply its LightSpray process to ultra-light boots, using a robotic arm to spray material and reduce components. Thierry Henry is director of football and will shape strategy, product and player relations. Barcelona’s Swiss footballer Sydney Schertenleib will also contribute, including on the women’s game.

Source: Superdeporte

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