Will Mbappé skip the logo debut? In a fresh CNN interview tied to his Ballon d’Or push, the French star revisits his switch from Nike to Swiss brand On, confirming he won’t showcase the label on the pitch just yet.
The striker may appear in plain shoes Friday at 20:45 when France faces Turkey in the Nations League, provided he’s recovered from the flu that sidelined him Tuesday. His media blitz for the Ballon d’Or includes this latest CNN chat, where he delves into last week’s equipment change.
For my money, this partnership could reshape soccer footwear. “We plan our market entry in 2027,” he added. Will we see the first On boots on French soil next season?
After two decades with Nike, the Real Madrid forward shocked the market by signing with On. He already stepped onto the field in neutral white boots, hiding the Nike swoosh during Atletico’s 2‑1 win over Real. On founder David Allemann hinted the Frenchman could repeat the stunt with Les Bleus, though the official debut remains uncertain.
“We aim to launch in 2027, and before that I can’t say much,” On co‑CEO replied. “We’re finalising the prototype, so a glimpse may come later. It’s a chance to innovate. Mbappé said: every detail matters. Imagine a shoe built in three minutes by a robot arm, reinforcing where needed, adding flexibility where required, creating almost a second skin for the foot and cutting the distance to the ball. We see a huge opportunity.”
Mbappé expressed excitement about shaping this “perfect shoe” that feels like a second skin. “It’s a new chapter, a fresh challenge, and I’m thrilled with where we are,” the 2018 World Cup winner said. “I wanted a change, an evolution as a player and a person. I hope this marks the start of a legacy, and it feels like the perfect opportunity for me.”