Kylian Mbappé and Thierry Henry lead On’s football launch
On has launched its football division with Kylian Mbappé confirmed as its leading global ambassador and product collaborator, while Thierry Henry takes charge as the company’s new Director of Football.
The Swiss sportswear company is making its first major move into the game with a plan to challenge the established boot market through its performance technology and design-led approach. Mbappé, the Real Madrid forward and World Cup winner, will work with On’s development teams as well as front the brand worldwide.
The France captain said he was drawn by the chance to help create something new for football, bringing his own experience into the design process while retaining the enjoyment at the heart of the sport. He described the partnership as the beginning of a shared long-term ambition.
Henry to lead football strategy
Henry has been working on the foundations of On’s football project since late 2025 and will now oversee its player strategy, athlete partnerships and product direction.
The former Arsenal and France striker said the team’s focus has been on listening closely to players and understanding what they need from new equipment. Henry said On wants to develop products that make a genuine contribution to the game, with the athlete placed first in the process.
On founder and co-chief executive David Allemann said the sport did not need another brand repeating familiar ideas. He said the company intended to bring a fresh challenge to what could be achieved on the pitch, on the street and in fashion.
LightSpray technology adapted for football
At the centre of the new range is On’s LightSpray manufacturing technology, which is being adapted for elite football. The robotic process applies a continuous filament to form a lightweight, seamless upper intended to provide a close, second-skin fit.
On built its reputation in running through CloudTec sole technology and LightSpray uppers, and now intends to bring those Swiss-engineering principles into football footwear and wider pitch culture.
Barcelona and Switzerland international Sydney Schertenleib has also joined the athlete group. She will assist in developing and testing equipment designed specifically for the women’s game.
The launch campaign was photographed at On Labs in Zurich by Juergen Teller, featuring Mbappé, Henry and Schertenleib. The next phase for On is the conversion of its athlete-led development work into football products for the market.
