Kylian Mbappé Signs Landmark Deal with On Football Boots

Kylian Mbappé has walked away from a 20-year relationship with Nike to sign a landmark boot deal with Swiss upstart On, in a move that jolts the football boot market and signals a bold new play from the Zurich brand.

The France captain, who first signed with Nike as a nine-year-old prodigy, will not only wear On boots but also become a shareholder in the company, tying his future to a brand that is only just stepping onto football’s biggest stage.

On, best known for its running and tennis shoes, is preparing a full-scale assault on football in 2025. The company has already unveiled its first boot, the Lightspray Prototype, which will hit the mass market next year before an expected expansion into training and performance apparel. To drive that push, On has appointed Thierry Henry as its football director – a heavyweight name to match its most glamorous new signing.

“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.”

For Nike, the split is a bruising one. Mbappé, now 27, has been one of the faces of the brand’s global football strategy, fronting major campaigns and serving as the natural heir to the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo in its marketing hierarchy. His contract expired after the World Cup, and with it ended a partnership that had spanned almost two decades.

“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 after another high-profile talent slipped through Nike’s fingers. Barcelona and Spain star Lamine Yamal signed with Adidas two years ago, underlining how fierce the battle for the sport’s brightest young names has become.

For now, Nike and Adidas still tower over the boot landscape. At this summer’s World Cup, their models were worn by more than 40% of players, according to data from retailer Fútbol Emotion. Puma sits as the next strongest force with roughly 10% of the market.

The rest are scrambling for relevance. Challenger brands such as Under Armour, New Balance and Skechers – whose boots are worn by England captain Harry Kane – have struggled to turn individual star deals into real retail dominance.

On is betting that Mbappé changes that equation. A global icon in his prime. A stake in the company. A fresh product line built around his game.

The established giants still control the pitch. But with Mbappé, Henry and Federer all aligned behind the Swiss newcomer, the fight for football’s feet has just gained a dangerous new contender.