Sportswear brand On has announced its entry into the football category alongside global champion Kylian Mbappé, marking an expansion into a major sporting segment.
The business has also appointed Thierry Henry as the new director of football. He is a former Arsenal player and French World Cup winner.
Since launching in 2010, the brand has grown from a challenger into an established sportswear apparel company.
As part of the new deal, Mbappé will work directly with On’s product teams and trial the future footwear and apparel.
He has been selected as the global ambassador for On, which aims to extend the partnership beyond football into contemporary design.
David Allemann, founder and co-CEO of On said: “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.”
According to the business, the plan is to apply the brand’s technology to the demands of football and bring innovative products that represent On’s signature Swiss style.
Henry said: “Building something new in football requires a bold and original approach.
“Over the past year, I’ve seen first-hand the curiosity and attention to detail the team at On brings to that process. We want to listen to players, understand what they need and create something that can genuinely add to the game. I’m proud to be part of shaping what comes next.”
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