Kylian Mbappé has ended a 20-year association with Nike to sign a boot deal with the Swiss challenger company On.
The sports and leisure brand, which has previously focused on running and tennis, is planning a major move into football next year and has also appointed Thierry Henry as its football director.
Roger Federer, who also left Nike to join them towards the end of his playing career, is a shareholder of the Zurich-based company. Mbappé will also become a shareholder in On.
“From the beginning, what drew me to On was the opportunity to build something entirely new together that will help shape tomorrow’s game,” said the France captain. “I want to bring my experience and perspective into what we create, push what’s possible through innovation, and always stay true to the joy of football. We have a shared dream, and this is only the beginning.”
On is a newcomer to football and this week unveiled its first boots, the Lightspray Prototype, which will be available for the mass market from next year before a move into training kit.
Mbappé’s departure, which came at the end of his contract after the World Cup, is a significant blow for Nike, which also lost the Barcelona and Spain star Lamine Yamal to Adidas two years ago. The 27-year-old has been the face of many of Nike’s advertising campaigns.
“Kylian’s journey with Nike began when he was nine years old,” the company said in a statement. “Over nearly two decades, we’ve shared moments that shaped the game and he has been an important part of Nike Football. We are proud of what we achieved together on and off the pitch.”
Nike and Adidas dominate the football market with their boots worn by more than 40% of players at this summer’s World Cup, according to data compiled by the retailer Fútbol Emotion, with Puma accounting for about 10%.
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Previous challenger brands such as Under Armour, New Balance and Skechers, whose boots are worn by the England captain Harry Kane, have struggled to make an impact on the retail market.