Nike had planned a new collection of signature crampons for Kylian Mbappé, but the project was cancelled after he joined Swiss brand On. The collection, set to launch in February 2027, was already in an advanced stage, with models presented to distributors who had recorded pre-orders. The decision to abandon the project was made following Mbappé's departure from Nike, a brand he had collaborated with for nearly twenty years.
The cancelled collection included a Mercurial "Mbappé Legacy" and a "Career Journey" edition. Prototype images of the Mercurial model showed a white upper with red and pink speed lines, blue Nike logos, and a constellation-inspired blue motif. This design element referenced the history of the Mercurial range. The collection was designed to reflect Mbappé's origins, career, and ambitions.
Kylian Mbappé had been working with Nike since he was seven years old. Their twenty-year partnership resulted in several customized shoes. The collaboration began when Mbappé was a young player and continued as he rose to international prominence. Nike's decision to scrap the collection suggests that Mbappé's departure had significant commercial implications.
According to Footy Headlines, the project was well advanced, and distributors had already seen the designs and recorded pre-orders. The sudden cancellation of the collection indicates that Nike was not prepared for Mbappé's departure and had invested significant resources in the project. The brand has not commented on the reasons behind the cancellation.
Mbappé's move to On is seen as a significant blow to Nike, which had enjoyed a long and successful partnership with the player. The French forward's decision to join On is expected to have a major impact on the sports apparel market. Nike's loss is On's gain, as the Swiss brand strengthens its position in the football market.
The cancellation of the Mbappé collection highlights the business side of sports sponsorships. When a high-profile athlete changes teams or brands, it can have far-reaching consequences for the companies involved. In this case, Nike's decision to abandon the project suggests that the company was not willing or able to adapt to Mbappé's new partnership.
The future of Mbappé's partnership with On is being closely watched, with many expecting the brand to capitalize on the player's global popularity. As for Nike, the company will need to focus on other partnerships and product lines to offset the loss of its long-standing collaboration with Mbappé.
Key points
- Nike had prepared a new collection of crampons signature for Kylian Mbappé before his departure for On.
- The project was cancelled after Mbappé joined Swiss brand On.
- The collection included a Mercurial "Mbappé Legacy" and a "Career Journey" edition.
