Kylian Mbappé has left Nike to join the Swiss sportswear company On.
Nike had been backing Mbappé from his childhood days, and the French forward had been using their Mercurial boots; however, a big change is awaiting him now.
The Swiss company On, founded in 2010 to make running shoes and acquired co-ownership of tennis star Roger Federer in 2019, has entered the football world as they also announced that former Arsenal star Thierry Henry will be their director of football.
According to On’s press release, quoted by ESPN, Mbappé “will work directly with On’s product teams.”
Mbappé said: “From the beginning, what drew me to On was the opportunity to build something entirely new together that will help shape tomorrow’s game. 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.”
David Allemann, founder and co-CEO of On, said: “Football doesn’t need another sportswear brand to do more of the same. Football needs new ideas and a challenge to what is possible. When we enter a sport, we want to be the brand of the future — through true innovation and contemporary design. Our ambition is to bring On’s approach to the pitch, the pavement, and the runway — connecting elite performance with the culture that surrounds the game. With Kylian we have the perfect partner to dream what football can become.”
Ex-France, Barcelona and Arsenal striker Henry said: “Building something new in football requires a bold and original approach. Over the past year, I’ve seen first-hand the curiosity and attention to detail the team at On brings to that process. We want to listen to players, understand what they need and create something that can genuinely add to the game. I’m proud to be part of shaping what comes next.”
A statement on social media from Mbappé read: “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.
“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.
