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 On's working philosophy.

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

Honestly, it's fantastic to be able to attract top players and then continue building the brand, truly being involved in all of this. Mbappé is our first, and I believe he's the best player in the world. As our inaugural ambassador, this is an incredible start, no doubt about it.

How did you achieve that?

First, you have to provide a product that attracts players. Look at these shoes and how they're made: the entire process takes just three minutes, with continuous thermoplastic fibers sprayed on the inside and outside of the shoe's upper.

There's a robotic arm with a shoe mold and midsole at its head, rotating around it. What you see is thermoplastic fiber forming layer by layer. Three minutes, and the finished product weighs only 30 grams. This will be the lightest football boot on the market.

And it's white...

Yes, no joke, when dealing with a player like Mbappé, you have to deliver something tangible. Because if you only talk about future plans...

But the sportswear industry is incredibly difficult to break into, with giants like Adidas, Nike, and other major brands...

That's not the issue. I've spoken with some of his teammates, with complete humility and respect. We just want to do what we can. Obviously, this is competition, everyone knows that, but we focus on what we can deliver, relying on Mbappé to create an impact.

Is Mbappé deeply involved?

He will be involved in developing the boot, whether it's the materials or all the products he'll use and be associated with. We're committed to our philosophy, striving to create top-quality products. We talk about Mbappé and how our products change the game, but when it comes to on-field impact, women's football is an unavoidable topic.

What do you plan to invest in women's football?

Most of the time, female players wear men's boots, which don't fit the shape of their feet. So we also plan to work closely with Sam (Kerr) to develop boots specifically tailored for female players. Of course, Mbappé's involvement is extremely important.

But football's impact must include women's football, which is crucial. Globally, this is where we're starting. Mbappé is here, Sam is with us, and together we want to create value for the sport of football.

When talking about football, women's football must be included. The 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil is also very important. Mbappé and Sam are working together to promote the development of this sport. When it comes to the pitch, women's football is an essential part.

Is technology important to football players?

Do you know that feeling of perfect comfort? Players need to be comfortable. When touching the ball, it must feel like a second skin. I often say that, though impossible, I really wish I could play barefoot.

If you could play barefoot, with studs on the sole, that would be the perfect experience. Our product comes incredibly close to that feeling. What's most important is that the user feels comfortable and is in their best state when wearing it.

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

These boots will officially launch in 2027. Mbappé has a prototype pair, as you've seen him test during training. But most importantly, he needs to feel comfortable. We won't pressure anyone. 2027 is the official launch date.

If he wants to wear them earlier, we understand. It requires mental adaptation on his part, but we won't put that pressure on him. He continues working with us to perfect the boots, and we're working together to get him to a state of comfort where he can play before he's officially required to.

Does this technology make the game better?

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

The core is how it feels to him, elevating the product to a new level, with a large team behind it. I have to praise the team. Developing the product, signing Mbappé, and presenting the boot solution in about ten months is incredibly fast.

The team's efforts in completing this entire product line must be fully recognized. As you said, it's a big deal. We're entering a massive market, but we're doing it our own way and not chasing trends.

We have our own philosophy: unity and cohesion, with Mbappé and Sam involved in product development. What happens next, we'll see. Of course, there are also some undisclosed plans.

Appearing alongside Mbappé is truly bold. When I first came to this building, the shoe prototype didn't even exist yet. This was initially just a dream we envisioned, and now it's becoming reality.

How do you feel about Mbappé coming here to sign? He's one of the world's top players.

Honestly, what impresses me isn't just that. Simply being able to establish contact with him and get him to listen to our proposal showed that we're not far from our goal. His willingness to consider the product we're offering proves we're heading in the right direction. At the same time, we also need to give him a voice. We're talking about Mbappé; he knows what he wants to wear and what kind of equipment he prefers.

Why not let him be involved in designing his gear and deciding how it's used? His accomplishments in football absolutely deserve that respect.

When he started listening to our ideas, at that moment, you can't help but wonder: is this really happening? But this is just the beginning. We need to ensure everything goes smoothly. There will be obstacles ahead; nothing is smooth sailing.

As long as we stay united... someone asked me before what my vision for the future is. For me, a brand needs a core, a philosophy, a belief from within. I don't want to disappoint the team, and I hope he'll be satisfied.

When something has positive energy and people can feel that sincerity, they'll love it. Everything must come from the heart. What I value most is not disappointing Mbappé.

As long as he's happy and performs well on the pitch, everyone will be satisfied. I think this is big news for the football world. It's incredibly difficult for a top player to switch brands after signing a long-term deal.

That's right, very difficult... but not impossible.

Everything started from our first conversation when we sensed his interest. Everyone involved in the project looked at each other. There's one thing I want people to understand: yes, Tobias contacted me, my agent was present, and we coordinated simultaneously with Mbappé and other stakeholders. But I can sleep well at night.

I can rest normally at home. But a large number of employees in this building have to work late into the night, under enormous pressure, perfecting the boot, constantly considering solutions, worrying whether he'll like them, and continuously refining details. These people deserve recognition.

The entire technical team made this product a reality and enabled the collaboration with Mbappé. People talk a lot about glamorous stories, but if the product itself isn't excellent, nothing else matters. That's what's important.

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