French soccer star Kylian Mbappé announced Monday the conclusion of his nearly two-decade partnership with Nike, officially joining Swiss athletic brand On Running. The move marks a significant shift for the Real Madrid forward and signals On’s aggressive expansion into the football market.
In an interview with CNBC alongside On co-CEO David Alleman, Mbappé reflected on his time with Nike, which began in childhood, describing it as an “amazing 20 years” but emphasizing that a transition was necessary. “As a person, as a player, it was the time to change,” Mbappé said. He expressed enthusiasm about becoming an integral part of On’s growth in the sport, noting, “I have to be part of the project, to be part of the journey with On and the football.”
Friday’s announcement confirmed that On will collaborate with Mbappé on designing high-performance footwear and apparel. The Swiss company, founded in 2010 and previously known for running and tennis gear featuring technologies like CloudTec and LightSpray, is now entering the soccer sector. Mbappé highlighted the physical demands of the modern game, which involves up to 60 games a season, stating that players require a special connection with their boots to handle the intensity.
Beyond Mbappé, On recruited retired France international Thierry Henry as its new director of football. Additionally, FC Barcelona’s Sydney Schertenleib has been brought on to assist in developing and testing the brand’s soccer apparel. The full highlights of the interview are scheduled to air on CNBC’s “Squawkbox Europe” on Tuesday.
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