End of an era! Mbappé ditches Nike after 20 years and teams up with Arsenal legend
One of the longest and most iconic partnerships in modern football is officially over. Kylian Mbappé has left Nike and joined Swiss brand On, and he will not be alone in the new project.
Details: According to The Touchline, the Real Madrid and France superstar has officially joined On and ended his relationship with Nike. Moreover, Arsenal legend Thierry Henry is set to become the new director of football for the Swiss brand.
The news, first announced by the striker himself on Instagram and quickly confirmed by The Athletic, marks the end of a relationship that lasted around two decades: Nike had been outfitting Mbappé since he was eight years old, and his signature Mercurial boots became one of the company's flagship products. According to reports, his contract with the American giant expired on July 31, opening the door to a stunning switch. On, the Swiss sportswear company famous for its running shoes and its partnership with tennis legend Roger Federer, is now launching its first ever football division, and Mbappé will be the face of the brand's expansion into football boots. Bringing in Thierry Henry as director of football adds enormous credibility to the project: the French icon knows the game at the highest level and shares a special bond with Mbappé, both being products of French football royalty. Financial details have not been officially disclosed, but earlier reports in Spain spoke of a deal worth millions of euros. For Nike, losing their biggest football star is a massive blow in the battle with adidas and Puma, while for On this is a statement of intent that could reshape the football gear market.
It's worth noting that Mbappé had been with Nike since his childhood days at Bondy, making this split the most high-profile boot deal change in football since Lionel Messi's lifetime agreement with adidas.
Reminder: Mbappé leaves Nike and is set to sign a million-euro deal with a surprise brand!
Miguel Solomons
Dailysports's expert
