After signing with sports brand On, Henry gave an exclusive interview to AS. In the first part of the interview, he discussed his collaboration with Mbappé and his working philosophy at On.

The sportswear market is incredibly complex and competitive, and you've signed Mbappé...

Honestly, it's fantastic to attract players to join us, to grow the brand and to be genuinely involved in all of it. Mbappé was the first, and I believe he is the best in the world. As our first ambassador, it's a very strong start, there's no doubt about that.

How did you manage it?

First, you need to offer a product that appeals to players. Look at this shoe and how it's made: the entire process takes just three minutes, with thermoplastic filaments sprayed continuously on the inside and outside of the shoe.

There's a robotic arm with a mold and midsole at its end that rotates around it. You see the thermoplastic filaments layer upon each other to form the shape. Three minutes, and the finished product weighs just 30 grams. This will be the lightest football shoe on the market.

And it's a white model...

Yes, no joke, with a player like Mbappé, you need to offer something substantial. Because if you only talk about future plans...

But the sportswear industry is incredibly difficult to survive in, packed with giants: Adidas, Nike and other major brands...

That's not really the point. I've spoken to some of his teammates, and with the utmost humility and respect, we just want to do what we can. Obviously it's competition, everyone knows that, but we focus on what we can do and we're counting on Mbappé to make an impact.

Is Mbappé himself deeply involved?

He will be involved in developing the shoes, whether it's the materials or all the products he will use and that are tailored to him. We're true to our philosophy, striving to create superior-quality products. We talk about Mbappé and how the products change the game, but when it comes to impact on the pitch, women's football is an inevitable subject.

What investments are you planning in women's football?

Most of the time, female players wear men's shoes, which don't match the shape of their feet. So we also plan to work closely with Sydney Lohuis to develop shoes best suited to female players. Of course, Mbappé's arrival is extremely important.

But the impact in football must cover women's football, which is crucial. Globally, that's where we're starting. Mbappé is here, Sydney has joined us, and together we will create value for the sport of football.

When we talk about football, women's football must be included. The 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil is also vital. Mbappé and Sydney are working together with the aim of promoting the development of the sport. When we talk about the game, women's football is inevitably an indispensable part of it.

Is technology important for footballers?

Do you understand that feeling of comfort and perfect fit? Players need to be comfortable. When touching the ball, it should feel like a second skin. I always say that, though it's impossible, I'd really love to be able to play barefoot.

If you could play barefoot with studs on the sole, that would be the perfect experience, and our product comes infinitely close to that sensation. The most important thing is that the user must feel comfortable and perform at their best when wearing the equipment.

Why didn't Mbappé wear these new shoes in the match against Atlético?

These shoes will be officially launched in 2027. Mbappé has a sample pair, as you saw him try at training. But most importantly, he needs to feel comfortable. We won't pressure anyone. 2027 is the official release date.

If he wants to wear them earlier, we understand. It requires psychological adaptation, but we won't put that kind of pressure on him. He continues to refine the shoes with us, and we're working together to get him comfortable and ready to play, even before the official requirement to do so.

Will the ball be played better with this technology?

Honestly, I don't know. I don't play anymore, and I can't reach the intensity of Mbappé's testing. You and I can try the product, but for him, combined with his running style, explosiveness and physical talent, it's a completely different matter.

What matters is how he feels, elevating the product to a new level, with a great team behind it. I must congratulate the team for developing the product, signing Mbappé and presenting the shoe design in just ten months. That speed is incredible.

Full credit must be given to the team's efforts in completing this entire product line. As you said, it's a big project. We're entering a huge market, but we'll stick to our own methods and not follow trends.

We have our own philosophy: unity and cohesion, with Mbappé and Sydney participating in product development. We'll see what happens next. Of course, there are plans that haven't been announced yet.

Starting with Mbappé is truly bold. The first time I came to this building, even a prototype of the shoes didn't exist. It was initially just a dream we had imagined, and now it's becoming a reality.

How did you feel when Mbappé came here to sign the contract? He's one of the best players in the world.

Honestly, what impressed me wasn't entirely that. The fact that we could establish communication with him and that he was willing to listen to our proposal already showed we were close to our goal. His willingness to examine the products we were offering proved we were on the right track. At the same time, we must also give him a voice. We talk about Mbappé; he knows what he wants to wear and what kind of equipment he wants.

Why not let him participate in designing his own equipment and deciding how it's used? His achievements in football fully deserve that respect.

When he started listening to our ideas, at that moment, you can't help but wonder: can this really happen? But everything is just beginning. We need to make sure all aspects go smoothly. There will be obstacles ahead; nothing is ever easy.

As long as we stay united... Someone asked me recently what my dream for the future is. For me, a brand needs a core, a philosophy, an inner conviction. I don't want to let the team down, and I hope he will be satisfied.

When something radiates positive energy, people feel that sincerity and come to love it. Everything must come from the heart. What I value most is not letting Mbappé down.

As long as he's happy and performing well on the pitch, everyone will be satisfied. I think this is huge news for the football world. It's extremely difficult for a top-level player to change brands after signing a long-term contract.

Exactly, it's difficult... but not impossible.

It all started when we first spoke and felt his interest. Everyone involved in the project looked at each other. There's one thing I want everyone to understand: yes, Tobias contacted me, and my agent was also present. We were in contact with Mbappé and other relevant people simultaneously, but I can sleep peacefully at night.

I can go home and rest normally. But many staff members in the building must stay up late, under enormous pressure, refining the shoes, constantly deliberating over plans, worrying whether he'll like them and continuously tweaking details. These people deserve to be recognized.

The entire technical team has brought this product to life and facilitated collaboration with Mbappé. People talk a lot about glamorous stories, but if the product itself isn't excellent, everything else is meaningless. That's what's crucial.

Traduit par IA.

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