France and Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappé has ended his two-decade partnership with Nike and signed a new deal with Swiss sportswear company On, marking a shift in the soccer marketing landscape as one of the world’s most recognizable athletes joins a growing brand.
Mbappé had been with Nike for nearly 20 years, having signed with the sports brand giant in 2006 when he was eight years old.
Now, Mbappé is taking on the role of global ambassador for On, as the Swiss running shoe manufacturer enters the football market. This move follows the recent appointment of former France, Barcelona, and Arsenal striker Thierry Henry as On’s director of football.
“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 in a statement. “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 was launched in 2010, initially focusing on running shoes before expanding into other sports. The company has attracted high-profile athletes such as tennis legend Roger Federer, who became a co-owner in 2019. According to founder and co-CEO David Allemann, On aims to become the brand of the future in every sport it enters, connecting elite performance with the culture and passion that surround each game.
"Dream On, Football. I still dream of playing football. That might surprise you, coming from someone who plays it for a living. But it's true. I still dream of playing with my friends. Playing until sunset. Until dinner. Playing just because it was a game, long before it could become a career,” Mbappe said in a statement on social media.
"I have followed this dream for as long as I can remember. Once again it 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.”
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kylian Mbappé ends partnership with Nike to join growing brand
