Kylian Mbappe Leaves Nike for Swiss Brand On in Major Industry Shift
Kylian Mbappe leaves Nike after 20 years to join Swiss sportswear brand On, receiving equity and helping launch a new football division alongside Thierry Henry.
A major earthquake is shaking the global sportswear industry as Kylian Mbappe ends his long-standing partnership with American giant Nike and moves to Swiss brand On. The dramatic shift comes after a 20-year collaboration that began when Mbappe was just nine years old.
The transition of the French national team captain and Real Madrid star is far from a standard sponsorship deal. On, known primarily for its innovative running shoes and backing from tennis legend Roger Federer, is launching an entirely new football division.
Under the historic agreement, Mbappe will not only serve as the brand's face and wear its boots, but he will also receive equity in the company and actively participate in designing and developing its future football footwear, expected in stores by 2027.
To complete the revolution, On has also recruited French football legend Thierry Henry to serve as a senior executive in the new football department. For Nike, facing sharp stock drops and significant market share losses over the past year, this represents a severe reputational and financial blow. Meanwhile, the Swiss company is claiming new territory, and Wall Street investors are already reacting with cautious optimism.
