French football superstar and shareholder of premium technology brand Loewe, Kylian Mbappé has joined Swiss sportswear company On as a global ambassador, giving the brand a major profile boost as it prepares to enter the highly competitive football market.

The partnership ends Mbappé’s long-running relationship with Nike, which began when he was just nine years old. Financial details have not been disclosed, although On has confirmed the agreement includes both cash and equity components.

On plans to launch its first football boots in 2027 and is developing products with Mbappé and other athletes. 

Mbappé will work directly with On’s product teams on the development and testing of future football footwear and apparel. The company is also bringing its LightSpray technology into football, using a robotic manufacturing process that creates performance uppers from a continuous sprayed filament. According to On, the technology could produce lightweight products designed specifically for the demands of football. 

Mbappé is also a brand ambassador and shareholder of Loewe. The footballer became a shareholder in the German premium electronics manufacturer in 2024 through his investment vehicle Coalition Capital. Loewe said at the time that the investment was intended to help strengthen its global position and reach younger, more technology-focused consumers. 

The footballer has since been closely associated with Loewe’s audio products and the company’s We. HEAR Pro portable speaker was developed in collaboration with him. The product combines a 100-watt audio system, up to 24 hours of battery life and IPX6 splash resistance. 

That combination of sport, technology and product development is increasingly becoming part of Mbappé’s commercial profile.

On is also building its football operation around former France international Thierry Henry, who has been working as the company’s Director of Football since 2025. Swiss footballer Sydney Schertenleib is also involved in product development

It will be worth watching On as it expands its product range, with the company already having a growing presence in Australia’s premium running market. Its entry into football could put it into direct competition with Nike, Adidas and Puma.

The first On football boots are scheduled to arrive in 2027.