Kylian Mbappé Leaves Nike to Become Brand Ambassador for On

On is breaking into football.

The sportswear brand has shared its planned entry into the category, after previously focusing on running and tennis, as it continues its global expansion. 

Kylian Mbappé has also been announced as a brand ambassador, after more than two decades working with Nike. 

According to On, the brand is bringing a fresh perspective to the sport – with a focus on the joy of play and product innovation. 

“Football doesn’t need another sportswear brand to do more of the same,” says David Allemann, Founder and co-CEO of On. “Football needs new ideas and a challenge to what is possible. 

“When we enter a sport, we want to be the brand of the future – through true innovation and contemporary design. 

“Our ambition is to bring On’s approach to the pitch, the pavement and the runway – connecting elite performance with the culture that surrounds the game. With Kylian we have the perfect partner to dream what football can become.”

Thierry Henry, who has been working with the brand on its entry and product approach since late 2025, has also been announced as the company’s Director of Football, while Sydney Schertenleib, who joined the brand in December 2025 as an ambassador for training and lifestyle, will see her partnership extended into football.

Mbappé transfers to On

Kylian Mbappé’s decision to join On came after around two decades working with Nike – with the French captain having starred in several advertising campaigns for the brand. 

This included a social media takeover of Nike’s Instagram account with a digital ‘Lil Mbappé’ chatbot, and ‘Victory Mode’, a community-focused initiative designed to encourage young people to give their best through sport. 

“Kylian’s journey with Nike began when he was nine years old,” Nike said of his departure, as reported on by the Financial Times. “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.”

Growth of a challenger brand

On has seen significant growth in recent years. 

Since the company’s launch in 2010, it has gone from strength to strength – quickly evolving from a challenger brand to one of the new leading sportswear brands. 

According to On, much of this growth is due to its product innovation and close collaboration with leading athletes – which it now plans to replicate in football.

Alongside his role as a brand ambassador, Kylian Mbappé will also be working closely with the company’s product teams, to bring his perspective into the development and testing of future football footwear and apparel – helping to ensure that product quality matches brand messaging. 

“From the beginning, what drew me to On was the opportunity to build something entirely new together that will help shape tomorrow’s game,” says Kylian Mbappé. 

“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.”

On’s initial entry into football is being marketed through a campaign photographed by Juergen Teller, with Kylian Mbappé, Thierry Henry and Sydney Schertenleib placed in the On labs in Zurich, amongst the company’s machinery and products. 

Who are On’s key partners?

• LOEWE: On and LOEWE have collaborated on the creation of several products, including the LightSpray Cloudmonster, designed to showcase On's LightSpray upper technology. This fuses advanced engineering with LOEWE’s approach to proportion and colour. 
• Tudor Team Alinghi: In May, On announced the prolongation of its partnership as the Official Footwear Supplier for the prestigious Swiss sailing team, Tudor Team Alinghi. This renewed collaboration builds on an existing successful partnership and will see On supporting the team through its campaign for the 38th America’s Cup in 2027.
• FIDAL: On developed the Azzurri national team kit for the Italian Athletics Federation (FIDAL), marking a major milestone in their multi-year partnership. While the collaboration is already in motion, this debut showcases the Swiss-engineered apparel ecosystem that will define Italy’s presence on the world stage. 
• International Olympic Committee: In February 2026, On was named the first private partner of the Swiss bid to host the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in 2038, acting as a key flag bearer for the project.