Full Breakdown
Kylian Mbappé Ends Two-Decade Nike Partnership to Join Swiss Brand On
By Drooid · · How we work
The Deal: Mbappé’s Switch to On
French forward Kylian Mbappé has terminated a sponsorship that began in 2006 and signed a new agreement with Swiss sportswear company On. Announced in September 2026, the deal makes Mbappé On’s global ambassador and a central figure in its inaugural football division, which will launch its first boots in 2027. Former France and Arsenal striker Thierry Henry has been appointed director of football. The contract is reported to run for ten years and to include cash and an equity component, though exact terms are undisclosed. Mbappé’s Nike contract was set to expire on July 31.
Background: Nike’s Football Endorsements and On’s Expansion
Nike has relied on Mbappé as a marquee ambassador after Cristiano Ronaldo’s decline. Its football roster also includes Erling Haaland, Vinícius Júnior, Alexia Putellas and Sam Kerr. Recent losses—Spain’s Lamine Yamal to Adidas and now Mbappé—highlight pressure from rivals. On, founded in 2010 and backed by Roger Federer since 2019, built a reputation in running and tennis before targeting football.
Key Figures
- Kylian Mbappé — France captain, Real Madrid forward; ends 20-year Nike deal to become On’s football ambassador.
- David Allemann — Founder and co-CEO of On; leads the brand’s football strategy.
- Thierry Henry — Former France, Barcelona and Arsenal striker; appointed On’s director of football.
- Roger Federer — Swiss tennis champion; shareholder in On.
Data & Statistics
- On’s U.S.-listed shares rose as much as 5 % in pre-market trading after the announcement.
- Nike’s stock was little changed on the day.
- Nike’s shares have fallen roughly 50 % over the past 12 months, reflecting broader sales challenges, especially in China.
- On’s revenue in the Americas accounts for more than half of its total sales.
Official Statements & Responses
Nike expressed pride in the partnership and wished Mbappé continued success. David Allemann said On aims to challenge the sport with new ideas and technology. Thierry Henry described the collaboration as “building something new in football requires a bold and original approach.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the financial structure of the Mbappé-On deal. CNBC and The Guardian note a combination of cash and equity, while SportsMole mentions an equity stake without a fixed endorsement fee and a personal sub-brand of signature boots. The contract length is described as ten years by several outlets, yet the exact duration is not confirmed. No public figure has disclosed the monetary value.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Once again it (football) has led me to one of the biggest changes in my life. Now, I find myself surrounded by innovators who dream of the same things I do,” — Kylian Mbappé
- “Football doesn't need another sportswear brand to do more of the same,” — David Allemann
What’s Next
On’s first football boots, featuring LightSpray™ technology, are slated for release in 2027. Mbappé will work with On’s product engineers in Zurich and serve as the brand’s global ambassador across performance, movement and lifestyle categories. The partnership also includes Swiss women’s international Sydney Schertenleib, who joined On in December 2025.