Kylian Mbappe Ends Long-Term Nike Partnership to Become Global Face of On’s New Football Boot
Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid and France superstar, ends his 19-year Nike partnership to join Swiss brand On. Announced today, September 18, 2026, the 27-year-old becomes On's global ambassador, leading its football market entry, akin to Roger Federer's influential role.
In a move that promises to dramatically reshape the landscape of football endorsements, Kylian Mbappe, the talismanic striker for Real Madrid and captain of the French national team, has today, September 18, 2026, formally announced his departure from Nike to join forces with the rapidly expanding Swiss sportswear brand, On. The official confirmation brings an end to a 19-year association with the American giant that began when Mbappe was just eight years old. Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, Included in Jorge Jesus's Portugal Squad for UEFA Nations League 2026-27.
Kylian Mbappe's Dream 'On'
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… pic.twitter.com/74FFKrT98w
— Kylian Mbappé (@KMbappe) September 18, 2026
The 27-year-old World Cup Golden Boot winner is set to become the global ambassador for On's nascent football division, a strategic shift that is expected to grant him an unprecedented level of involvement, potentially including an equity stake and direct influence over product development, akin to tennis legend Roger Federer's impactful partnership with the brand.
A Strategic Departure and Ambitious Expansion
Mbappe contract with Nike reportedly concluded on July 31, 2026, following the World Cup. The decision to forgo a renewal signals his desire for a deeper, more collaborative relationship than traditional sponsorship deals typically offer. On, renowned for its innovative running footwear and recent successes in tennis, views Mbappé as the ideal figurehead for its aggressive push into the world's most popular sport.
"I still dream of playing with my friends. Playing until sunset. Until dinner. Playing just because it was a game, long before it," Mbappe shared on his social media, hinting at a return to the pure essence of the sport through his new partnership.
On's Football Foray: Key Appointments and Innovations
The Swiss brand is not just relying on Mbappé's star power; it has strategically laid the groundwork for its football entry:
- Launch Timeline: On plans to launch its first football boots in 2027, with kits and lifestyle products to follow.
- Key Personnel: Former France international Thierry Henry has been appointed as On's Director of Football, having worked with the company since late 2025 to aid its market entry.
- Technology: On will leverage its proprietary LightSpray manufacturing technology, which uses robots to create seamless, lightweight shoe uppers, promising a closer feel for the ball.
- Player Collaborations: Young Swiss international Sydney Schertenleib has also been involved since December 2025, co-developing training and lifestyle products.
This move by On is a direct challenge to the longstanding dominance of sportswear giants like Nike, Adidas, and Puma.
Financial Strength and Future Outlook
On has experienced astronomical growth, reporting CHF 850.3 million (approximately $1 billion USD) in revenue for the second quarter of 2026 alone, a 13.5 percent increase from the same period in 2025. UEFA Nations League 2026-27: England Recall Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold As Thomas Tuchel Announces Three Lions' Squad.
Mbappe deal is anticipated to mirror the successful investor-ambassador model established with Roger Federer in 2019, which saw Federer acquire a reported 3% stake in the company. Such a structure would grant Mbappé significant influence and a share in On's burgeoning success.
This landmark partnership is poised to be more than just a sponsorship; it's a strategic alliance aiming to redefine athlete endorsements and innovation in the football footwear industry, with Mbappe at its core.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 18, 2026 06:20 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
