Kylian Mbappé has officially ended his long-standing partnership with Nike and joined Swiss sportswear brand On, becoming the face of its ambitious move into football.
After almost two decades with Nike, the French superstar is entering a new chapter — one that sees him at the centre of On’s first major push into the world’s biggest sport. Mbappé first partnered with Nike in 2006, when he was just eight years old.
On Is Getting Into Football
Best known for its running footwear, On has spent the last decade building its identity around performance, technology and distinctive design. Now, the Swiss brand is taking those principles into football.
The company officially announced its entry into football alongside Mbappé on September 18, 2026. It has also appointed French football legend Thierry Henry as its Director of Football, with Henry having worked with the brand behind the scenes since late 2025.
The timing and choice of ambassador are significant. Rather than quietly entering the football market, On has put one of the sport’s most recognisable players at the centre of its new division.
Mbappé will work directly with On’s product teams, contributing to the development and testing of future football footwear and apparel while also becoming a global ambassador for the brand.
From the Swoosh to the Cloud
Mbappé’s relationship with Nike lasted almost 20 years, making the move to On a notable change in the football sponsorship landscape.
Nike had been associated with Mbappé since the beginning of his professional journey, with the forward becoming one of the brand’s most prominent football athletes. His move now gives On an immediate connection to the highest level of the sport.
But this isn’t simply an athlete swapping one logo for another.
On appears to be positioning Mbappé as a creative and technical collaborator, giving him a role in shaping the products he will eventually wear on the pitch.
Building the Next Generation of Football Boots
On’s entry into football will also bring its approach to product innovation into a new category.
The company plans to launch its first football boots in 2027, with its LightSpray manufacturing technology expected to play a role in its football footwear. LightSpray is a manufacturing process developed by On that uses robotic technology to create lightweight shoe uppers.
For a brand whose identity has largely been built around running, football represents an entirely different challenge — and one where weight, responsiveness, durability and fit are critical.
Mbappé’s involvement means On can develop and test its products with feedback from a player competing at the highest level.
More Than Just Football
The partnership also reflects On’s broader evolution from a specialist running company into a wider sportswear and lifestyle brand.
The company has already expanded its presence into tennis, most notably through its relationship with Roger Federer. Its move into football now gives the brand another major global sporting platform.
For Mbappé, meanwhile, the partnership offers an opportunity to have a more direct role in developing products rather than simply representing an established football range.
It’s a different kind of athlete-brand relationship — and one that could become increasingly important as sportswear companies look beyond traditional sponsorship deals.
A New Era for On
On’s football ambitions are now officially underway.
With Mbappé leading the charge, Thierry Henry overseeing the football division and the first football products scheduled for 2027, the brand is entering a market dominated by established names such as Nike, Adidas and Puma.
The question now is what On Football will actually look like once those first boots hit the pitch.
One thing is clear: On is no longer just a running brand.
Football has arrived.