Swiss sportswear brand On has announced its entry into football, partnering with footballer Kylian Mbappé as it expands beyond its established presence in running and performance sports.

Mbappé will serve as a global ambassador for On and work with its product teams on the development and testing of future football footwear and apparel. The partnership will see the World Cup winner contribute his experience at the highest level of the game to On’s product development process.

The brand has also appointed former French international and Arsenal player Thierry Henry as director of football. Henry has been working with On since late 2025 on its entry into football and will contribute to the strategic development of On Football, including product, athlete relationships and the brand’s approach to football culture.

Swiss international and FC Barcelona player Sydney Schertenleib will also contribute to the football initiative. She joined On in December 2025 as a training and lifestyle ambassador and will now work with its teams on football product development and testing, with a focus on the women’s game.

On’s football launch is being presented through a campaign photographed by Juergen Teller at On Labs in Zurich, the brand’s product development and innovation centre, that brings together Mbappé, Henry and Schertenleib. 

David Allemann, founder and co-CEO, On, said, “Football doesn’t need another sportswear brand to do more of the same. Football needs new ideas and a challenge to what is possible. When we enter a sport, we want to be the brand of the future – through true innovation and contemporary design. Our ambition is to bring On’s approach to the pitch, the pavement, and the runway – connecting elite performance with the culture that surrounds the game. With Kylian we have the perfect partner to dream what football can become.”