Kylian Mbappé Joins On to Launch Football Division

Swiss sportswear brand On has officially announced its significant expansion into the sport of football, marking its debut in a category previously absent from its product lines. This strategic entry is spearheaded by a high-profile partnership with world-renowned football superstar Kylian Mbappé, who departs from his long-standing association with Nike. Mbappé is not only serving as a core athlete partner but also as a global ambassador for movement and performance within the On brand. His involvement extends to direct collaboration with On's product development teams based in Zurich, where he will actively test and refine future football footwear and apparel. These new products are set to incorporate On's proprietary LightSpray™ technology, a spray-on textile manufacturing process that the company aims to leverage for elite performance gear.

The football division's strategic direction and growth will be overseen by Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, who has been appointed as the Director of Football. Henry has been actively involved with On in a behind-the-scenes capacity since late 2025, contributing to the category's launch strategy. His role will encompass managing strategic growth initiatives, fostering athlete relationships, and guiding product development for the new division. This move signifies On's ambition to blend cutting-edge athlete insights with its established Swiss engineering expertise. The brand aims to create innovative products that cater to the demands of professional football.

Further bolstering the women's football initiative, FC Barcelona player Sydney Schertenleib has also joined the On roster. Her contribution will be instrumental in shaping products specifically designed for the women's game, ensuring that On's expansion addresses the needs of all athletes. The launch campaign for this new football division has been visually documented by acclaimed photographer Juergen Teller, with imagery captured at On Labs in Zurich. Mbappé expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting the opportunity to "build something entirely new together that will help shape tomorrow’s game." He emphasized his desire 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," noting a "shared dream" with On.

On, founded in 2010 by Olivier Bernhard, David Allemann, and Caspar Coppetti, has built its reputation on innovative running shoes and apparel, characterized by its unique CloudTec® cushioning system. The company's expansion into football represents a significant diversification of its athletic offerings, moving beyond its core running and outdoor segments. The integration of LightSpray™ technology, which allows for the creation of seamless, lightweight, and durable textiles, is a key differentiator On plans to deploy in its football footwear and apparel. This technology is expected to offer performance advantages through reduced weight and enhanced comfort, aligning with On's commitment to innovation and athlete-centric design. The partnership with Mbappé, one of the most recognizable figures in global football, is anticipated to provide substantial brand visibility and credibility as On establishes its presence in the competitive football market.