Kylian Mbappé Signs Landmark Deal with On Football Boots

Kylian Mbappé has ended a 20-year relationship with Nike to sign a landmark boot deal with Swiss upstart On, becoming both the face and a shareholder of a brand plotting an aggressive entrance into elite football.

The France captain, who first signed with Nike as a nine-year-old, walks away at the end of his contract after the World Cup, ending one of the sportswear giant’s most high-profile partnerships. For Nike, it is a jolt. For On, it is a statement of intent.

“From the beginning, what drew me to On was the opportunity to build something entirely new together that will help shape tomorrow’s game,” Mbappé said. “I want to bring my experience and perspective into what we create, push what’s possible through innovation, and always stay true to the joy of football. We have a shared dream, and this is only the beginning.”

On, based in Zurich, has built its reputation in running and tennis, backed prominently by Roger Federer, who also left Nike to join the company and is now a shareholder. Mbappé will follow that path, taking equity as part of the deal and tying his name to a brand that is only just stepping onto football’s main stage.

The timing is deliberate. This week On unveiled its first football boots, the Lightspray Prototype, a debut model that will reach the mass market next year before the company expands into training wear. For a brand that has never been part of football’s traditional boot wars, securing one of the game’s biggest stars as it launches its first product is a rare coup.

At Nike headquarters, the loss will sting. Mbappé, now 27, has been central to many of the company’s flagship football campaigns, a natural heir to the marketing space once dominated by Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar. The company acknowledged the end of an era in a carefully worded farewell.

“Kylian’s journey with Nike began when he was nine years old,” Nike said in a statement. “Over nearly two decades, we’ve shared moments that shaped the game and he has been an important part of Nike Football. We are proud of what we achieved together on and off the pitch.”

Nike and Adidas still tower over the football market. At this summer’s World Cup, their boots were worn by more than 40% of players, according to data from retailer Fútbol Emotion, with Puma a distant challenger at around 10%. The rest scramble for relevance.

Others have tried to crack that duopoly. Under Armour, New Balance and Skechers — whose boots are worn by England captain Harry Kane — have all pushed into the sport, yet none has truly shifted the balance at retail level. Big names, yes. Lasting market disruption, no.

On believes it can be different. With Mbappé on the pitch, Thierry Henry appointed as its football director and Federer in the boardroom, the Swiss brand is betting that a blend of star power and design innovation can wedge open a door that has stayed firmly shut for most challengers.

The question now is simple: in a market long ruled by Nike and Adidas, is Mbappé the one who finally changes the game for a newcomer?