Kylian Mbappé leaves Nike and signs with Swiss sportswear brand On
Paris - French team captain Kylian Mbappé has signed with sportswear brand On, ending his career-long partnership with American giant Nike, the Swiss brand announced on Friday.
“Today, Swiss sportswear brand On announces its entry into football alongside football champion Kylian Mbappé, marking the start of the brand's journey into the world's biggest sport,” On said in a statement. The company also specified that 1998 World Cup champion Thierry Henry is becoming its director of football.
“From the start, what attracted me to On was the opportunity to build something completely new together that will help shape the game of tomorrow,” said Kylian Mbappé, quoted in the press release. “I want to bring my experience and perspective to what we are creating, push the boundaries through innovation, and always stay true to the joy of football. We have a shared dream, and this is just the beginning.”
On, which enters the football segment with this high-profile signing, has not disclosed the value of the contract with the French national team superstar.
Hard blow for Nike
Founded in 2010 and previously specialising in running and tennis shoes, On's shareholders include tennis legend Roger Federer. He also left Nike at the end of his on-court career to join the Zurich-based brand.
Mbappé's departure is a significant blow for Nike, the global leader in sporting goods. The brand had sponsored the French striker from a young age, making him its primary football ambassador. Mbappé, a 2018 World Cup champion and the record holder for goals in the tournament's final stages with 22, had gradually replaced Cristiano Ronaldo as the face of the brand. The Portuguese star, another long-time Nike ambassador, is now approaching the end of his career at 41.
Nike still holds contracts with several other major football stars, including Norwegian striker Erling Haaland and Brazilian player Vinicius, Mbappé's teammate at Real Madrid.
The US-based company, headquartered in Oregon, also supplies the French national team. It extended its contract with the French Football Federation (FFF) in 2024 until 2034 for an estimated 100 million euros per year.