Kylian Mbappé Leaves Nike for New On Football Division

On Football has officially joined Instagram (spotted by Sportsverse). A newcomer to "the beautiful game," the Swiss performance company has made a bold entrance with the help of Kylian Mbappé.

As reported back in March, the Real Madrid forward's Nike agreement was due at the end of the 2026 World Cup™. Nothing had been disclosed by either party involved, but speculation posited that Mbappé would walk away from the Swoosh in search of equity stake in whichever company he decided to partner with.

Roger Federer, who spent 24 years in an endorsement deal with Nike, already showcased what On might have planned for the launch of its Football vertical given that he helped the brand bring On Tennis to market. Instead of a traditional athlete sponsorship deal, however, Federer signed on with the company as an investor—a move that has made him millions of dollars in a way his two decades with the Swoosh never did.

Mbappé, who solidified himself as one of the most valuable figures to Nike during the most recent World Cup™, could be seeking a similar path. On Football's official announcement doesn't mention anything about the 27-year-old joining the Swiss company as an investor, with the Real Madrid forward simply sharing: “From the beginning, what drew me to On was the opportunity to build something entirely new together that will help shape tomorrow’s game. I want 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. We have a shared dream, and this is only the beginning."

France's Kylian Mbappé is one of NIKE, Inc.'s most-important sponsored athletes. He's been linked to the North American brand since childhood, but that connection could come to an end following the 2026 World Cup™ tournament.

According to Le Parisien, the 27-year-old is contemplating a split from Nike in favor of either adidas or Under Armour. In the past, the outlet accurately reported on other matters related to Mbappé, giving credibility to its most recent announcement.

Mbappé is currently signed to LALIGA's Real Madrid, a football club synonymous with adidas. A move to the German sportswear juggernaut, then, would make sense. The Frenchman, however, has long-admired the Swoosh, even getting several Player Edition releases from the Nike Air Max and Nike Mercurial lines.

A link to Under Armour leaves more to speculate given the brand's minimal presence in the elite-level of global football. However, Mbappé could be just what the company needs to compete with the Swoosh, Three Stripes, and PUMA.

Stay tuned for more details.