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Mbappé Joins On, Leaving Nike After Two Decades

The deal gives Swiss brand On a paid ambassador with an ownership stake to accelerate its technology-led entry into football.

Overview

  • On announced on Sept. 18 that Kylian Mbappé has ended his long Nike relationship and signed with the Swiss company to lead its push into football.
  • On said the agreement combines cash with equity and makes Mbappé a global ambassador who will work directly with its product teams on footwear and apparel.
  • Former France striker Thierry Henry has been named On’s director of football and helped shape the project and recruit Mbappé.
  • Mbappé has been seen testing white prototype boots built with On’s LightSpray process in training and the cleats appear in EA Sports FC 27 gameplay footage, while a commercial boot launch is planned for 2027.
  • On’s US-listed shares rose about 5 percent in pre-market trading after the news and analysts say the company must prove on-field performance to convert the signing into lasting market share for a costly football push.