MBAPPÉ DITCHES NIKE IN BLOCKBUSTER MOVE
Kylian Mbappé has made a major commercial move by ending his long-standing relationship with Nike and signing with Swiss sportswear company On.
The Real Madrid and France superstar had been associated with Nike since he was just eight years old, making the decision one of the biggest changes to his commercial career.
On announced the partnership on Friday, confirming that Mbappé will become the face of its new football division.
The company also revealed that 1998 World Cup winner Thierry Henry has joined as its football director.
On plans to launch its first football boots next year, meaning Mbappé is expected to play a major role in shaping the brand’s entrance into the global football market.
The financial value of the agreement has not been disclosed.
Mbappé explained that the attraction was the opportunity to help create something new rather than simply join an established football brand.
The move represents a significant blow for Nike, which had developed Mbappé into one of its most recognisable football ambassadors.
The French captain had increasingly become one of the faces of Nike’s football business following Cristiano Ronaldo’s gradual move toward the final stages of his career.
Now Mbappé is starting another commercial chapter.
And with On preparing to launch football boots, the partnership could eventually become one of the most influential player-brand collaborations in the sport.