Soccer Star Mbappé Leaves Nike to Sign With On

Kylian Mbappé, the France captain, has left Nike after an enduring 20-year partnership to join the Swiss sports brand On. This marks a significant shift, with On planning to expand its focus into football next year. The brand, which has traditionally concentrated on running and tennis, has appointed Thierry Henry as its football director.

Mbappé, a shareholder in On, shared his excitement about the opportunity to co-create and innovate in the game. He expressed his desire to bring his experience and perspective into the brand, emphasizing the joy of football. On, a newcomer to football, unveiled its first boots, the Lightspray Prototype, which will be available to the general public next year, followed by a venture into training kit.

Mbappé's departure from Nike, at the end of his contract post-World Cup, is a considerable loss for the brand, which also recently lost star Lamine Yamal to Adidas. The France star has been a prominent figure in Nike's advertising campaigns since he was nine years old. Nike, alongside Adidas, holds a dominant position in the football market, with their boots worn by over 40% of players at the World Cup, according to Fútbol Emotion's data.

Puma accounts for around 10% of the market. Despite competition from challenger brands like Under Armour, New Balance, and Skechers, whose boots are worn by players such as England's Harry Kane, these brands have faced challenges in making a significant impact in the retail market.