Kylian Mbappé has ended a 20-year association with Nike by signing a boot deal with the Swiss challenger company On. The France captain will also become a shareholder in the Zurich-based brand, a move that mirrors the path taken by Roger Federer, who left Nike to join On towards the end of his playing career and remains a shareholder in the company.
The deal lands On its highest-profile football figure at a moment when the brand is preparing to move into the sport in earnest. On has previously concentrated on running and tennis, but is planning a major entry into football next year, and has appointed Thierry Henry as its football director. This week it unveiled its first boots, the Lightspray Prototype, which will be available to the mass market from next year, with a move into training kit to follow.
Mbappé framed the switch as a chance to help build something from the ground up. “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.”
The departure is a significant blow for Nike. Mbappé’s contract came to an end after this summer’s World Cup, and the 27-year-old had been the face of many of the company’s advertising campaigns. Nike has already lost one of the game’s brightest young stars in Lamine Yamal, the Barcelona and Spain player who moved to Adidas two years ago. “Kylian’s journey with Nike began when he was nine years old,” the company 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.”
On enters a football boot market still dominated by Nike and Adidas, whose boots were worn by more than 40% of players at this summer’s World Cup, according to data compiled by the retailer Fútbol Emotion, with Puma accounting for about 10%. Previous challenger brands such as Under Armour, New Balance and Skechers, whose boots are worn by the England captain Harry Kane, have struggled to make an impact on the retail market.