Thierry Henry Builds On's Football Future with Mbappé

Thierry Henry has embarked on a major new chapter in his career, taking a leading role in the sportswear brand On's ambitious push into football. The Arsenal legend has been named the company's Director of Football and has already orchestrated a landmark signing, bringing global superstar Kylian Mbappé on board as the face of the new venture.

Henry's Strategic Role at On

Henry's move into this executive position marks a significant shift from his work in coaching and broadcasting. He has been involved with On's football project for nearly a year, working closely with product teams to build the division from the ground up. His mandate extends beyond just signing players; he is deeply involved in driving innovation and sustainability for the brand, aiming to challenge established giants like Nike and Adidas in the lucrative European football market.

The Mbappé Coup and Revolutionary Boot

The first and most spectacular result of Henry's work is the signing of Kylian Mbappé. The French captain, after two decades with Nike, has joined On as a brand ambassador. Henry called securing the Real Madrid forward "fantastic" and noted, "I think he’s the best. Not a bad first signing." But the pitch went beyond just a sponsorship deal. Henry revealed the brand presented Mbappé with a tangible, revolutionary product: a boot made in just three minutes using a robotic process that sprays a thermoplastic filament. This results in an ultra-lightweight boot weighing only 30 grams, which Henry claims will be the lightest on the market.

Building a Brand from Scratch

The scale of the challenge Henry accepted is clear from his own description of the project's beginnings. "There wasn’t even a boot," he admitted. His strategy involves not only landing star names but integrating them into the brand's DNA. He has been speaking with Mbappé's teammates and emphasizes creating a product and culture that top players genuinely want to be part of, moving beyond mere financial offers to build something with authentic appeal in a fiercely competitive industry.

On's Market Ambition

This dual signing of Henry and Mbappé represents a serious financial and strategic play by On Holding. Analysts view the partnerships as a direct attempt to capture market share from the sportswear incumbents. While the exact financial terms remain confidential, the commitment signals On's long-term ambition in football. The company is betting that Henry's football IQ and Mbappé's generational talent can translate into commercial success and product credibility.

• Executive Move: Thierry Henry is now the Director of Football for On, guiding its entire soccer division.
• Flagship Signing: His first major act was securing Kylian Mbappé as the brand's premier ambassador.
• Product Innovation: Central to the pitch is a prototype boot made in 3 minutes, weighing just 30 grams.
• Market Challenge: The move is a clear bid by On to compete with Nike and Adidas in European football.

Henry's focus is now on turning this high-profile start into a sustained football legacy for On, blending his deep understanding of the game with new technology.