Kylian Mbappé, one of the world’s most celebrated footballers, has signed with the Swiss sportswear brand On as a global ambassador. This marks On’s first major step into the football industry, a market dominated by giants like Nike and Puma. The partnership was announced on September 18, alongside the appointment of former France captain Thierry Henry as On’s football director. Mbappé had been with Nike since the start of his professional career, but his contract with the American brand ended on July 31. In a statement, Mbappé said he was drawn to On by the chance to co-create something new that would help shape the future of football. He emphasized his desire to use his experience to drive innovation and stay true to the joy of the game. On, which was founded in 2010 as a manufacturer of running shoes, has grown into a major player in the sports industry. The brand is valued at around $10 billion, placing it behind Nike but ahead of Puma. Following the announcement of Mbappé’s partnership, On’s stock rose 6% on the New York Stock Exchange. The company has seen strong growth in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, with a notable increase in popularity in the Asia-Pacific region as well. Thierry Henry, who has taken on the role of football director at On, praised the brand’s commitment to originality and attention to detail, saying he is proud to be part of shaping the future of the sport. On plans to launch its first football boots in 2027, with Mbappé expected to be a central figure in the development process. The brand’s co-founder and CEO, David Allemann, stated that football needs fresh ideas and a challenge to conventional thinking. He added that On aims to become the brand of the future through innovation and modern design. The partnership with Mbappé is a key part of On’s strategy to enter the football market and compete with established players like Nike and Puma. Mbappé’s move to On comes after another high-profile departure from Nike, with young Spanish star Lamine Yamal recently signing with Adidas. Nike released a statement expressing pride in its partnership with Mbappé and wishing him continued success. The French forward’s switch to On signals a shift in the global sports industry, as emerging brands seek to challenge the dominance of long-standing giants through innovation and star power.