Kylian Mbappe ends 20-year Nike partnership, signs with On

Kylian Mbappe has ended his 20-years long partnership with Nike and signed with Swiss sportswear brand On in a major push.

The sudden switch is going to be a significant blow for the American brand’s dominance in the market. For decades, Nike had leaned on Mbappe as its primary global ambassador alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. The brand also featured him prominently at the FIFA World Cup.

Mbappé said on his social media accounts, "Once again it (football) has led me to one of the biggest changes in my life. ⁠Now, ​I find myself surrounded by innovators who ​dream of the same things I do,"

In another Instagram post, he shared, “Of bringing foot as close as possible to the ball. Of bringing the people as close as possible to the game. Of bringing the world as close as possible to play.”

"I guess that's the thing about dreams that refuse to change.”

"They're usually the ones that change everything. Dream On."

This is not the first loss, earlier Nike also lost Spain’s Lamine Yamal who signed a partnership with Adidas.

Following the news of parting ways, the brand’s US-listed shares rose 5 percent in premarket trading. The Roger Federer-backed brand is looking to boost growth in the Americas, its largest revenue market.

Swiss brand stated its journey as shoe manufacturer in 2010 and then added tennis legend Roger Federer as a co-owner in 2019. Upon entering the football market, On has announced that Thierry Henry will be their director of football and announced plans to launch its first football boots in 2027.

Nike responded in a separate statement, "We are proud of what we achieved together ‌on ⁠and off the pitch. As he moves into the next phase of his career, we wish him continued success for what comes next.”