Mbappé joins On
Swiss Sportswear Brand On Enters Football Market With Kylian Mbappé and Thierry Henry
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Key Points
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On’s football strategy is intended to extend beyond performance gear: the company plans to develop products for football culture and lifestyle, including trainers, after its initial boots and kits launches.
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On says its LightSpray technology uses robots to spray a continuous filament to form a shoe’s upper, and production facilities can reportedly be established within months, potentially allowing the company to scale manufacturing quickly.
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On’s planned boots are intended to provide a closer feel for the ball while remaining lightweight, reflecting the company’s effort to apply its engineering approach to football’s specific performance demands.
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Mbappé’s departure represents a significant loss for Nike, which had sponsored him since childhood and featured him prominently in its Mercurial boot line; his move follows Barcelona star Lamine Yamal’s switch from Nike to Adidas.
Swiss sportswear brand On is making a bold move into global football. The company just signed Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappé as its global ambassador, ending his 20-year sponsorship deal with Nike Yahoo Sports. Mbappé will help develop On's first football boots, launching in 2027, while reportedly receiving equity in the company rather than just a paycheck SI.com.
The move marks On's biggest push yet into a market dominated by Nike, Adidas, and Puma. On has also appointed Thierry Henry, the French football legend, as its director of football to lead the expansion SI.com. The company plans to use its LightSpray technology—robotic spray manufacturing—to create lightweight boots before expanding into kits and lifestyle products CNBC
Thierry Henry Joins On to Build Football Division
On appointed Thierry Henry, a former France and Arsenal star, as director of football. Henry reportedly worked behind the scenes on the deal since 2025 SI.com. His role includes athlete recruitment, company culture, and product strategy. The hiring signals On's serious commitment to becoming a major football brand, not just a one-off sponsorship.
LightSpray Technology Powers On's Boot Strategy
On's LightSpray uses robots to spray continuous filament, creating a shoe's upper in minutes. The technology allows the company to set up production facilities within months, enabling rapid manufacturing scaling Summary. On designed these boots to feel closer to the ball while staying lightweight, applying its engineering approach to football's specific demands.
On previously used LightSpray in running footwear starting in 2024. The company now plans to launch its first football boots in 2027, then expand into team kits and lifestyle products Yahoo Sports. This manufacturing speed gives On a competitive edge over traditional rivals.
Mbappé's Equity Deal Signals New Athlete Partnership Model
Mbappé received equity in On rather than just a sponsorship paycheck, marking a shift in how top athletes partner with brands SI.com. This model mirrors On's approach with tennis legend Roger Federer, who became an investor in 2019. Henry reportedly convinced Mbappé to accept equity over a traditional endorsement contract.
The 27-year-old World Cup Golden Boot winner will work directly with On's engineering team on boot design and product testing The Hindu Sportstar. His new deal runs for approximately 10 years, marking his final endorsement decision before the 2026 FIFA World Cup cycle begins SI.com.
Nike Loses Its Football Star as Rivals Circle
Mbappé's departure is a major blow to Nike, which has sponsored him since age 8. He was the face of Nike's signature Mercurial boot line SI.com. On Holding AG stock rose 5.6% to 6% on the announcement, while Nike fell 0.8%, signaling investor confidence in On's football gamble Summary.
Mbappé's switch follows Barcelona star Lamine Yamal's recent move from Nike to Adidas. Both exits suggest top athletes are open to leaving Nike for new opportunities, challenging the sportswear giant's grip on elite football talent ahead of the 2026 World Cup SI.com.
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