Kylian Mbappé Leaves Nike to Launch On's Football Division as Global Ambassador

Kylian Mbappé has made a seismic move in the sportswear world, leaving Nike after roughly two decades to sign a landmark deal with Swiss brand On. The Real Madrid forward will be the global ambassador and creative force behind On's brand new football division, a major coup for the company and a significant blow to its industry rival.

Mbappé becomes the cornerstone of On's football ambitions

The partnership, announced in late September 2026, marks a strategic shift for both parties. Mbappé isn't just lending his name. He will work directly with On's product teams, integrating his elite performance insights to help design and develop football boots and apparel. On stated the French superstar will be "at the heart" of its entry into the football market, aiming to disrupt a sector long dominated by giants like Nike and Adidas. For Mbappé, it represents a move from being a signature athlete to a foundational partner in a fresh venture.

The end of a 20-year partnership with Nike

Mbappé's departure concludes a sponsorship relationship with Nike that began when he was a child. He had been one of the brand's most prominent football faces, featuring in major campaigns and wearing their Mercurial boots throughout his rise at Monaco, Paris Saint-Germain, and his early days at Real Madrid. The switch to On is seen as a substantial commercial setback for Nike, losing a generational talent at the peak of his powers to a fast-growing competitor known for its running shoes.

Mbappé names his four footballing GOATs

Away from business, Mbappé recently shared his personal list of football's greatest ever players. Speaking to Complex magazine at France's Clairefontaine training base, the 27-year-old named his Mount Rushmore. "My football Mount Rushmore? In no particular order? Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, without hesitation. And I can't leave out the Brazilian Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane," he said. The quartet have a combined 16 Ballon d'Or awards, with Messi claiming eight, Cristiano Ronaldo five, and the original Ronaldo and Zidane two and one respectively.

Managing his knee injury recovery

Mbappé is currently working his way back from a knee injury. He was recently spotted riding a bike as part of his rehabilitation regimen, an activity that sparked some discussion given its contrast with more traditional recovery methods. The sighting confirms he is in an active phase of recovery, though the exact timeline for his return to full training with Real Madrid remains unclear. Fans will be hoping for a swift return, as his presence is vital for both club and country.

• Sportswear Shift: Kylian Mbappé has ended his long-term deal with Nike to sign as the face of On's new football category.
• Creative Role: He will work directly with product teams on boot and apparel design, acting as a global ambassador.
• GOATs Picked: Mbappé's four greatest players are Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldo Nazário, and Zinedine Zidane.
• Injury Status: The forward is rehabbing a knee injury and was seen using a bike as part of his recovery program.