Kylian Mbappé is leaving Nike — and he’s helping build the next chapter of football footwear with On.
The Real Madrid and France superstar has officially joined Swiss sportswear company On, ending a Nike relationship that began when Mbappé was just a child.
But this isn’t simply another endorsement switch.
On is entering the football-boot market for the first time, with Mbappé positioned at the center of the company’s ambitious new football division.
The company says Mbappé will work directly with its product teams, bringing his experience and perspective into the development and testing of future football footwear and apparel. On plans to launch its first football boots in 2027.
And there’s another football legend helping build the project.
Thierry Henry is On’s new Director of Football.
According to reporting from The Athletic, Henry has secretly been working with On since 2025 and played a role in convincing Mbappé to make the move after his Nike contract expired this summer.
WHAT WE KNOW
| Details | |
| Athlete | Kylian Mbappé |
| New Brand | On |
| Former Brand | Nike |
| New Category | Football / soccer |
| First On Football Boots | Expected 2027 |
| Director of Football | Thierry Henry |
| Mbappé’s Role | Product development & testing |
| Ambassador Role | Global On ambassador |
| Equity | The Athletic reports Mbappè received equity in On |
| Financial Terms | Not publicly disclosed |
On’s announcement describes Mbappé as being at the heart of its football journey, while ESPN reports that he will serve as a global ambassador and work directly with On’s product teams.
FROM NIKE TO ON
Mbappé’s Nike relationship dates back to 2006, when he was only eight years old.
Over the years, the partnership followed him from youth football to becoming one of the world’s biggest stars, including multiple Nike Mercurial player-exclusive and signature releases.
Now, after roughly two decades with the Swoosh, Mbappé is moving to a company that has never previously launched a football boot.
That’s what makes this move particularly interesting.
Mbappé isn’t walking into an established football footwear division.
He’s helping create one.
THE THIERRY HENRY CONNECTION
On isn’t starting its football operation from scratch.
Former France and Arsenal superstar Thierry Henry has been working with the company behind the scenes since 2025.
Now, Henry has officially been named Director of Football.
His involvement gives On an experienced football voice as the company develops its products, strategy and presence within the sport.
And according to The Athletic, Henry also helped convince Mbappé to join On.
That makes the partnership between the two French football icons one of the most intriguing parts of On’s new football chapter.
MBAPPÉ: “I STILL DREAM OF PLAYING FOOTBALL”
Mbappé’s own explanation for the move goes beyond business.
In a statement accompanying the partnership, the superstar reflected on why football still means so much to him.
“Dream On, Football.
I still dream of playing football.”
Mbappé explained that he still dreams about playing with his friends, playing until sunset and playing simply because it was a game — long before football became his career.
He says that same dream has now brought him to one of the biggest changes of his life.
“Of bringing foot as close as possible to ball.”
“Of bringing the people as close as possible to the game.”
“Of bringing the world as close as possible to play.”
And then comes the line that perfectly captures the announcement:
“They’re usually the ones that change everything.”
Dream On.
THE IDEA BEHIND THE MOVE
Mbappé says what initially attracted him to On was the opportunity to “build something entirely new together” and help shape the future of the game.
He wants to bring his experience into product creation, push innovation and maintain the joy that originally drew him to football.
That philosophy is especially important because On isn’t simply adding football to an existing boot catalog.
The company is entering a market already dominated by established football footwear brands.
Instead, On is attempting to create its own identity around innovation, design and athlete-driven product development.
THE TECHNOLOGY PLAY
On has already developed its LightSpray manufacturing technology, which uses robotics and continuous filament to create seamless shoe uppers.
The technology has become part of the company’s broader push to rethink traditional footwear manufacturing.
Now, On is exploring what that type of technology can mean for football.
And Mbappé will have a direct role in testing and developing the products.
That could eventually make his first On football boot one of the most closely watched new releases in the sport.
WHEN WILL MBAPPÉ WEAR ON?
On’s first football boots are expected to officially launch in 2027.
However, reporting indicates Mbappé could begin wearing On prototypes on the pitch before the retail launch as the company continues testing and development.
That means football fans could potentially get an early look at the technology long before the first On football boot hits store shelves.
WHY THIS MATTERS TO SNEAKER CULTURE
Mbappé’s move is bigger than football.
The world’s biggest sneaker and sportswear companies increasingly compete for athletes who can influence both performance culture and lifestyle culture.
Mbappé gives On an instant global football identity.
Thierry Henry gives the company football credibility.
And the 2027 boot launch gives On an opportunity to introduce an entirely new player into the football-footwear market.
The company has already built a major presence in running and expanded into tennis and other sports.
Now comes its biggest football experiment yet.
THE BIG PICTURE
Nike had Mbappé from childhood.
Now On gets Mbappé as it prepares to enter football for the first time.
That’s a remarkable full-circle moment.
But Mbappé’s message suggests he doesn’t see this simply as leaving one brand for another.
He sees it as another opportunity to chase the same dream he had as a kid:
Playing football because he loves the game.
Only now, he’s helping design what players will wear while doing it.
SNEAKER SHOP TALK TAKE
Kylian Mbappé isn’t just changing the logo on his boots.
He’s joining a company that hasn’t even released its first football boot yet — and he’s going to help build it.
Nike gave Mbappé his first major footwear chapter.
On wants him to help write the next one.
