France captain Kylian Mbappe has signed with Swiss sportswear brand On, ending a long-standing association with Nike that spanned the start of his professional career, according to a company announcement. The partnership brings the player into the Swiss brand’s newly launched football division alongside 1998 World Cup winner Thierry Henry, who serves as the company’s football director.
Kylian Mbappe Signs With Swiss Sportswear Brand On
The transition marks a departure from Nike, the brand historically linked to Mbappe’s rise in professional football. According to a company statement released by On on Friday, the Swiss label is making its primary entrance into the football market through the partnership with the France captain.
“Today, Swiss sportswear brand On announces its entry into football alongside football champion Kylian Mbappe, marking the beginning of the brand’s journey into the world’s biggest sport,” the company statement read. On did not disclose the financial terms or the exact duration of Mbappe’s contract.
“From the beginning, what drew me to On was the opportunity to build something entirely new together that will help shape tomorrow’s game,” Mbappe said, according to the brand’s announcement. “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.”
Thierry Henry Appointed Football Director at On
In addition to securing the France captain, On announced that 1998 World Cup winner Thierry Henry has joined the organization as its football director. The appointment places two high-profile French football figures at the center of the brand’s athletic expansion strategy.
Did you know? On was founded in 2010 and initially focused exclusively on running and tennis footwear before branching out into team sports like football.
Parallels to Roger Federer’s Career Transition
The move mirrors a precedent set by tennis great Roger Federer, who is a shareholder in the Zurich-based company. Federer famously departed from Nike toward the end of his playing career to forge an equity-backed partnership with On, helping elevate the brand’s global profile in tennis and lifestyle footwear.
While Federer’s transition focused on racquet sports and running markets, the recruitment of Mbappe and Thierry Henry signals a strategic pivot into team sports, specifically targeting association football.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did Kylian Mbappe sign with?
Kylian Mbappe signed with Swiss sportswear brand On, ending his longtime partnership with Nike.
What role does Thierry Henry have at On?
Thierry Henry serves as the football director for On.
Who else is associated with On?
Tennis great Roger Federer is a shareholder in On and previously made a high-profile switch to the brand from Nike.
Did On disclose the value of Mbappe’s contract?
No, On did not disclose the financial value of the contract in its announcement.
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