Kylian Mbappé Signs Boot Deal with On, Ending Nike Partnership
Kylian Mbappé has ended a 20-year relationship with Nike to sign a boot deal with Swiss challenger brand On, a move that shakes up football’s boot market and signals serious intent from the Zurich-based company.
The France captain, who first signed with Nike as a nine-year-old, walks away as one of the most recognisable faces in the game and one of the central pillars of Nike Football’s global image. Now, at 27, he is betting on something different – and smaller.
On, best known for its running and tennis shoes, is preparing a full-blooded push into football next year. The company has already laid down its marker: Mbappé will not just wear its boots, he will also become a shareholder. Thierry Henry has been appointed football director. Roger Federer, another former Nike icon who joined On towards the end of his career, is already an investor.
“From the beginning, what drew me to On was the opportunity to build something entirely new together that will help shape tomorrow’s game,” he 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. We have a shared dream, and this is only the beginning.”
On has wasted no time in planting its flag. This week it unveiled its first football boots, the Lightspray Prototype, a debut model that will reach the wider market next year. A move into training kit is set to follow as the brand tries to carve out space in a landscape long controlled by the traditional giants.
For Nike, Mbappé’s exit is a clear setback. His contract ended after the World Cup, and with it a partnership that had spanned nearly two decades and countless campaigns. The company acknowledged the weight of the split.
“Kylian’s journey with Nike began when he was nine years old,” Nike said in a statement. “Over nearly two decades, we’ve shared moments that shaped the game and he has been an important part of Nike Football. We are proud of what we achieved together on and off the pitch.”
The loss comes not long after Barcelona and Spain prodigy Lamine Yamal chose Adidas, another reminder that even the biggest players in the market can be outflanked in key battles for star talent.
Nike and Adidas still dominate the sport. At this summer’s World Cup, their boots were worn by more than 40% of players, according to data compiled by retailer Fútbol Emotion, with Puma accounting for around 10%. Those numbers underline the scale of the task facing any newcomer.
Others have tried to crack that duopoly. Under Armour, New Balance and Skechers — whose boots are currently worn by England captain Harry Kane — have all pushed into football with high-profile names. None has yet managed to seriously disrupt the retail hierarchy.
On is stepping into that same storm, but with Mbappé, Henry and Federer aligned behind its project, the company is clearly not content to remain a niche running brand. The question now is simple: can a rising Swiss challenger, armed with one of the game’s biggest stars, actually bend a market long ruled by the old guard?
