Kylian Mbappé has left Nike to join Swiss sportswear company On, which announced September 18 that Thierry Henry will serve as its director of football as it expands into the sport.
On plans to launch its first football boots in 2027. Reuters reported that the company said Mbappé’s agreement includes cash and equity. The agreement’s value and the size of the equity stake were not disclosed.
The Real Madrid forward and France captain will become a global ambassador. On said his involvement will extend to working with its product teams on the development and testing of football footwear and apparel.
Henry has been working on the project since late 2025, according to On. The former Arsenal forward will help guide its football strategy, including product development and relationships with athletes. The appointment is a role with the sportswear company, not a club coaching position.
“We want to listen to players, understand what they need and create something that can genuinely add to the game,” Henry said in On’s announcement.
On was founded in 2010 with a focus on running shoes before expanding into tennis. Roger Federer became a co-owner in November 2019 in an arrangement that also included a role in product development, rather than a conventional sponsorship alone.
On said it will adapt its LightSpray manufacturing technology for football. Introduced in 2024, the process creates a shoe’s upper from a continuous sprayed filament. The company’s stated aim is lighter footwear, with elite players involved in testing and refining the products.
Barcelona and Switzerland player Sydney Schertenleib is also involved. She joined On in December 2025 as a training and lifestyle ambassador and will now contribute to football product development, including products for the women’s game.
Nike acknowledged Mbappé’s departure in a statement, saying it was proud of their work together on and off the pitch and wishing him continued success.
