Kylian Mbappé’s next major move away from the pitch has begun in Switzerland. The France forward has signed a 10-year agreement with On, ending his long association with Nike and becoming the global ambassador for a company making its first serious entry into football.
The move
On confirmed on Friday that Mbappé, 27, will front its new football project after his Nike contract expired on 31 July. The Real Madrid and France player had been approached by several sportswear companies in recent months before choosing the Swiss brand.
The agreement is built around more than a conventional endorsement deal. Mbappé will receive a financial payment, although the value has not been disclosed, as well as shares in the company.
On, founded in 2010 and best known for running products, has made Mbappé central to its plans in football. He is expected to help create the brand’s football range, which is scheduled to reach the market from 2027.
The company is due to hold an Investor Day at its Zurich headquarters on Tuesday, when further details of the arrangement with Mbappé could be presented.
Thierry Henry’s role
Thierry Henry, On’s director of football, was an important figure in bringing Mbappé into the project. The former France striker had been in discussions with the player for several months and helped present On as an entrepreneurial opportunity rather than simply another boot contract.
Mbappé will not, at this stage, have a dedicated Kylian Mbappé sub-brand within On Football.
The French season around it
The deal links two of French football’s most recognisable modern figures: Mbappé, the 2018 World Cup winner who emerged through Monaco before becoming a leading name at Paris Saint-Germain, and Henry, whose France career included the 1998 World Cup triumph.
Mbappé’s role differs from Roger Federer’s relationship with On. Federer has been a shareholder since 2019, works on product development and has his own lifestyle collection within the brand. Mbappé, meanwhile, has been positioned as a creator for On’s forthcoming football products as the company enters a new market.
