Mbappé leaves Nike for Swiss brand On

Kylian Mbappé has ended his long-term partnership with Nike (NKE) and signed with Swiss sportswear company On in a move announced on September 18, 2026. The Real Madrid and France forward becomes the flagship athlete for On as it prepares a first push into football boots. The agreement marks a shift in the balance between established footwear giants and a newer entrant seeking a larger presence in football.

Financial terms of Mbappé’s deal have not been disclosed. However, the structure of the agreement goes beyond a conventional endorsement and positions him as a key strategic partner in the brand’s football ambitions.

On has stated that Mbappé will be a global ambassador for the brand and "will be at the heart of On’s football journey." His role is set to extend beyond traditional marketing activity into direct involvement with product development.

Mbappé is expected to work closely with On’s product teams, contributing his on‑field experience to the design, testing and refinement of future football footwear and apparel. The company has highlighted this collaboration as central to shaping its football offering and broader performance collections.

In positioning Mbappé as both athlete and partner, On aims to integrate his perspective into the brand’s movement, performance and contemporary design lines. The arrangement aligns his personal brand with On’s strategy in performance sportswear.

As part of the agreement, Mbappé has been granted an equity stake in On. This ownership component gives him a direct financial interest in the company’s long‑term growth and in the success of its football expansion.

The equity element distinguishes the partnership from many traditional endorsement contracts, tying Mbappé’s off‑field profile to the brand’s corporate trajectory. While specific stake size and valuation were not disclosed, the structure underlines a deeper strategic alignment between player and company.

Alongside the signing of Mbappé, On has hired former France and Arsenal forward Thierry Henry as Director of Football. His appointment is part of the same broader initiative to build a dedicated football operation within the company.

Henry’s role is intended to support On’s entry into football boots and related products. The pairing of a current high‑profile player in Mbappé with an experienced former international in Henry reflects a multi‑layered approach to product, branding and football expertise within the business.