Biggest Stars Who Left Nike to Join Other Brands
44 minutes ago, by What The Kit
- Kylian Mbappé's Landmark Switch to On: Kylian Mbappé recently made a significant move from Nike to On, signing a reported 10-year deal that includes an equity stake in the rapidly growing company, with Thierry Henry also joining On's football division.
- Nike's Strategy Caused Player Exodus (2020-2024): Between 2020 and 2024, Nike's strategy of cutting ties with mid-tier players to concentrate on a select group of "elite" athletes led to a "massive wave" of departures, many of whom found success with competing brands like Adidas and Puma.
- Lionel Messi's Early Departure Due to Nike's Indifference: Lionel Messi switched from Nike to Adidas in 2006 after Nike's indifference to a request from Messi's father, an oversight that Adidas capitalized on with a compelling offer, securing what became one of the most lucrative deals in history.
Losing Kylian Mbappé to On marks the end of one of Nike’s most iconic partnerships. The French forward is far from the first, several high-profile players have parted ways with the Swoosh over the years to join competing brands. Thanks to our partner @whatthekit_x for the graphics.
Football Stars Who Left Nike
Players part ways with Nike for various reasons, whether it’s a mismatch with the brand’s direction or higher financial offers from rivals, mostly Adidas and Puma.
Following the shockwave of Lionel Messi’s switch to Adidas in 2006, the brand transfer market entered a period of relative calm, with few stars parting ways with Nike.
That all changed between 2020 and 2024, which witnessed a massive wave of players leaving Nike. This sudden shift stemmed directly from Nike’s strategy, cutting ties with mid-tier players (like Anthony Martial, Willian, Marco Asensio or Thiago Alcântara) to concentrate its resources exclusively on a select group of "elite" athletes. However, Neymar was a different story entirely, with Nike actively pulling the plug on his contract amidst off-pitch drama.
Ironicaly, many of those dropped players turned out to be hugely successful for competing brands, most notably Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia or Harry Kane.
Most recently, one of Nike’s biggest flagship stars, Kylian Mbappé, made a shocking switch to Swiss brand On.
Kylian Mbappé - On
Mbappé joining On on a reported landmark 10-year deal that includes an equity stake in the rapidly growing company.
He will not be alone in spearheading the project. Legendary French forward Thierry Henry has been officially appointed as On's Director of Football, having worked with the Zurich-based brand behind the scenes since late 2025 to shape its strategy, athlete roster, and product development.
Lionel Messi - Adidas
Nike had been alongside Messi since he was just a 14-year-old kid at La Masia. However, the turning point came in 2006, when Nike lost what would become one of the most lucrative deals in history due to sheer indifference.
Specifically, Messi’s father, Jorge, had requested some extra gear from Nike for his son, but they met his request with silence. This led Jorge to feel that Leo was not being treated with the respect his talent deserved.
Seeing their opportunity, Adidas stepped in immediately with a compelling offer that completely won over Jorge.
Neymar Jr. - Puma
In September 2020, Puma shattered sponsorship records by offering Neymar a lucrative deal reported at around $30 million per year, making it one of the largest individual sponsorship contracts in sports history.
Harry Kane - Skechers
On 17 August 2023, Skechers officially announced a long-term deal with English star, ending the partnership between Harry Kane and Nike.
At Skechers, Kane was handed a pivotal role as their primary brand ambassador, granting him significant influence over the design and development of his signature boot line.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia - Adidas
Despite an excellent 2022-23 season and continued good form this season, Nike appears to have little interest in renewing Kvara's contract.
Since early 2024, Georgian wonder had officially join Adidas and received a bespoke colorway for the Adidas Predator 2024 football boots.
Ousmane Dembélé - Adidas
In late 2023, Dembélé officially made the switch from Nike to Adidas.
Fast forward three years into the deal, the French star has now established himself as one of the most prominent faces of the 3-Stripes.
Which brand switch impressed you the most? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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