In a light-hearted meeting shaped by football and tennis, Thierry Henry handed Roger Federer a ball challenge that drew an instant response from two sporting greats linked to On’s growing presence in the game.
The former France and Arsenal forward demonstrated a move requiring Federer to pull the ball back with his right foot, strike it upwards and then begin keeping it under control. The Swiss 20-time Grand Slam champion accepted the task without hesitation.
Quick facts
- Thierry Henry showed Roger Federer a football control trick.
- Federer failed on his first attempt but completed the move on his second.
- Henry is involved in On’s football project as its football director.
- Federer is closely associated with the Swiss company.
- Kylian Mbappé is also among the leading figures connected to On’s football plans.
Federer’s opening effort did not come off, but he quickly asked for another go. On the next attempt, he lifted the ball cleanly and completed the sequence, prompting Henry to rush over in celebration.
Henry was struck by how quickly Federer had absorbed the instructions. He said the Swiss had seen the movement, processed it “like a computer,” and then reproduced it after only one unsuccessful try.
The exchange ended with an embrace between the pair. For a brief moment Federer swapped the rhythms of the tennis court for close ball control, while Henry took on the role of coach.
On brings sporting names together
The meeting forms part of On’s wider move into football. The Swiss brand has appointed Henry as football director as it builds its profile in the sport.
Federer remains one of the company’s most recognisable figures, making the appearance a meeting of prominent names from different sporting worlds. Mbappé also features in the brand’s football project as On expands its international reach around the game.
