Kylian Mbappe Ends Long-Term Nike Partnership to Lead On’s Football Boots Expansion

Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe has quit his long-term relationship with Nike to become the face of Swiss company On’s first expansion into football boots.

On Holding shares jumped 6% in premarket trading.

On has long been associated with premium running shoes and previously expanded into tennis. Roger Federer joined in a deal in 2019 which saw him receive equity, while athletes who now wear On’s apparel and shoes include U.S. Open finalist Ben Shelton.

On’s venture into football, however, arguably represents the boldest move of the 17-year-old Swiss company’s history. As part of its expansion, it has also hired former France and Arsenal star Thierry Henry as the firm’s Director of Football. Henry has been secretly working in the role since 2025 and played a role in convincing Mbappe, 27, to join upon the expiration of his contract with Nike this summer.

In doing so, the France international has shunned not only Nike but also leading footwear brands such as Adidas and Puma, while there is now a new rival for relative upstarts New Balance and Skechers on the market. The financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed, but The Athletic can also reveal that Mbappe has been given equity in the Swiss company. On declined to comment.