Thierry Henry takes Kylian Mbappé to On and cuts ties with Nike
The Real Madrid striker, Kylian Mbappé, has signed with Swiss brand On, leaving Nike after a relationship that began in his childhood; the move was orchestrated by Thierry Henry, football director of On since the end of 2025.
The role of Thierry Henry
Thierry Henry, former Barça player, holds the position of football director at On, a role he has performed since the end of 2025. His mission is to define the strategy of a company known for its running shoes that now seeks to break into football. Henry, whose career includes stints at Arsenal and Barcelona, acts as a key figure to attract talents such as Mbappé.
The On Football project
On, founded in the Swiss Alps in 2010, built its business around running before launching its football division. The company intends to transfer technologies such as LightSpray to lightweight boots for men and women, working with a small number of elite players. The strategy does not aim for a massive portfolio, but rather to develop products based on real needs of the game.
The announcement places Mbappé as the central piece of the project, positioning him “in the heart” of On Football. In addition to being the visible face, the striker will participate directly in the design and testing of boots and equipment, a collaboration that goes beyond mere footwear showcase.
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Mbappé's reaction
“What attracted me to On was the opportunity to build something entirely new together that shapes the game of tomorrow,” Kylian Mbappé explained in an interview. He added: “I want to bring my experience and perspective to what we create, to drive what is considered possible through innovation and stay true to the joy of football.”
Mbappé also recalled his roots, saying: “I still dream of playing football. It may be surprising, coming from someone whose job is to play. But it is true. I have pursued this dream forever and now I am surrounded by innovators who dream the same as I do.” The message, posted on his social media, was accompanied by a photo by Juan Barbosa for Reuters.
The contract with Nike expired in 2026 and Mbappé signed a ten‑year agreement as a global ambassador for On, according to French press reports. The company does not plan to market the new products before 2027, but it has already announced the addition of Swiss female star Sydney Schertenleib, 19, to the project. The announcement also mentions Fran, an internal collaborator at On, who took part in drafting the statement.