{
  "id": 8411577,
  "title": "Mbappe leaves Nike, signs with On Swiss sportswear",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/19/mbappe-leaves-nike-signs-with-on-swiss-sportswear",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-19T07:57:29.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "SABC News",
    "slug": "sabc-news",
    "url": "https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/1162075-2/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "French soccer star Kylian Mbappe has left Nike to sign with On, a rapidly growing Swiss sportswear brand backed by Roger Federer. The financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed, but On stated that the arrangement includes both cash and equity components. This high-profile switch to On highlights the company's ambitions to expand beyond running and tennis into soccer, with plans to launch its first soccer boots in 2027. Thierry Henry, a former France star, has been appointed as the director of football for On. This move adds pressure on Nike, which has recently lost other top players to competitors as newer brands gain traction in the global sportswear market. Mbappe's departure from Nike marks the end of a two-decade-long partnership dating back to 2006 when he was just nine years old. Nike expressed pride in their shared achievements on and off the pitch, wishing him continued success in his future endeavors. Despite Nike's strong presence in France, where they have secured an extension of their kit-supply agreement with the French national team until 2033-34, Mbappe's exit comes as the US giant recently lost its Premier League match ball supply to Puma, while retaining the contract to become Germany's official kit and equipment supplier from 2027. On's shares dipped slightly in premarket trading on Friday, while Nike shares were little changed, suggesting that the news had limited impact on investors. The Swiss company aims for growth in the Americas, which account for more than half of its revenue, though it has faced challenges in the region due to economic uncertainties this year.",
  "summary": "Mbappe's exit comes despite Nike's foothold in France.",
  "key_points": [
    "Kylian Mbappe leaves Nike to join Swiss sportswear brand On.",
    "On backed by Roger Federer, plans first soccer boots in 2027.",
    "Thierry Henry appointed as director of football for On."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}