Kylian Mbappé has signed with sportswear brand On after leaving Nike.
Nike had previously sponsored Mbappé since he was a child, and the Real Madrid forward wore their Mercurial boots, but he is now set for a significant change.
Swiss brand On, who began in 2010 as a running shoe manufacturer then added tennis legend Roger Federer as a co-owner in 2019, are entering the football market and have also announced Thierry Henry will be their director of football.
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Mbappé, who will also become a global ambassador for his new sponsor, “will work directly with On’s product teams,” an On statement read.
Mbappé said: “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.”
David Allemann, founder and co-CEO of On, said: “Football doesn’t need another sportswear brand to do more of the same. Football needs new ideas and a challenge to what is possible. When we enter a sport, we want to be the brand of the future — through true innovation and contemporary design. Our ambition is to bring On’s approach to the pitch, the pavement, and the runway — connecting elite performance with the culture that surrounds the game. With Kylian we have the perfect partner to dream what football can become.”
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Ex-France, Barcelona and Arsenal striker Henry said: “Building something new in football requires a bold and original approach. Over the past year, I’ve seen first-hand the curiosity and attention to detail the team at On brings to that process. We want to listen to players, understand what they need and create something that can genuinely add to the game. I’m proud to be part of shaping what comes next.”
Sydney Schertenleib, who has worked with On since 2025 but will now work in product development and testing of their football entry, said: “I’ve already experienced how differently On thinks about performance and design, so being part of its journey into football feels really exciting. As a player, having the opportunity to work directly with On and bring my perspective into the development process is something really special. I can honestly say, I’ve never felt the ball like I have in the product the team is working on.”
A statement on social media from Mbappé read: “Dream On, Football. I still dream of playing football. 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.
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“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.
“I guess that’s the thing about dreams that refuse to change.
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“They’re usually the ones that change everything. Dream On.”
Mbappé’s exit from Nike follows Lamine Yamal, who left the brand to sign with new sponsor Adidas.
