Kylian Mbappé Joins On Running in Major Nike Switch as Real Madrid Star Recovers

Kylian Mbappé has made a seismic move off the pitch, signing a global ambassador deal with Swiss sportswear brand On Running. The agreement, announced two weeks ago, ends the French superstar's roughly 20-year partnership with Nike and places him at the heart of On's new football category.

Mbappé's landmark switch to On Running

This is a significant coup for On and a direct blow to Nike. Mbappé will work directly with the brand's product teams on football footwear and apparel, integrating his elite-level insights. The deal represents a major strategic shift for the 27-year-old, whose image has been synonymous with the Swoosh since his youth. On is betting that Mbappé's global stardom can accelerate its entry into the competitive football market.

Finding peace and purpose at Real Madrid

In an interview, Mbappé opened up about his life since joining Real Madrid on a free transfer in the summer of 2024. He has registered 94 goals and 14 assists in 110 matches for the club, starting this season with eight goals and two assists in just seven games. "I expected to play for the best club in the world," Mbappé said. He believes that to be part of football history, you must play for Real Madrid at some point. The striker noted he has found "more peace" in Madrid, wanting to immerse himself in a new culture, and has never felt unhappy since settling into his own home.

Naming his Mount Rushmore of football greats

Speaking to Complex magazine last week at France's Clairefontaine base, Mbappé listed his four football GOATs. His personal Mount Rushmore features Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Brazilian Ronaldo Nazário, and Zinedine Zidane. The selection of Zidane carries extra weight now, as the legendary midfielder officially became Mbappé's national team coach on September 1, 2026, taking over from Didier Deschamps after the World Cup. Zidane signed a four-year deal, stating the France job was the only one he wanted.

Road to recovery from a knee injury

Mbappé is currently working his way back from a hyperextension of the posterior capsule in his left knee. He suffered the injury on September 25 during France's 1-0 win over Turkiye. The issue is not considered serious, and he is targeting a return for Real Madrid's match against Villarreal on October 10. His rehab progress, shared on Instagram, included videos of him running on a treadmill and riding a bicycle outdoors. The bike clip sparked discussion because Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has previously called cycling a "non-negotiable" activity players must avoid due to injury risk.

• Key Takeaways: Mbappé's switch to On Running marks a major shift in the sportswear landscape. His goal contributions at Real Madrid remain prolific, with 94 goals in 110 appearances. He is rehabbing a knee injury with the aim of returning for club action on October 10.

Fans will be eager to see him back on the pitch, with his fitness status a key point for Madrid's upcoming [fixtures](/fixtures).