Mbappe dumps Nike for Swiss sportswear brand On

Kylian Mbappe, France captain and Real Madrid forward, has ended his long-standing partnership with Nike after signing with Swiss sportswear company On, marking the brand’s entry into football. On announced the deal on Friday, saying Mbappé would play a central role in its expansion into the world’s biggest sport. “Today, Swiss sportswear brand On announces its entry into football alongside football champion Kylian Mbappé, marking the beginning of the brand’s journey into the world’s biggest sport,” the company said. The financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. On targets football market Mbappé, who has been associated with Nike since 2006, said the partnership would allow him to help develop a new generation of football products. “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.” On also announced the appointment of Thierry Henry, France and Arsenal legend and a 1998 World Cup winner, as its football director. The Zurich-based company plans to launch its first football boots next year as it seeks to establish a presence in the lucrative football footwear market. Founded in 2010, On initially built its business around running footwear before expanding into tennis and other sports. Tennis great Roger Federer is among the company’s shareholders and also moved from Nike to On towards the end of his playing career. Nike loses leading football ambassador Mbappé’s departure represents a significant loss for Nike, which had made the French forward one of the leading faces of its global football business. The 2018 World Cup winner and France’s all-time leading scorer at the tournament with 12 goals had risen to become one of Nike’s most prominent football ambassadors. His move to On comes as competition among sportswear brands intensifies for elite football talent. Spanish teenager Lamine Yamal also left Nike for Adidas in 2024. Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date Open In Whatsapp