PSG’s dazzling dribbler has long made money off his fancy footwork. The next step? An eyewear deal rich in heritage and innovation.
In a different kind of transfer news amid soccer’s ongoing January window, Paris-Saint Germain and France superstar Kylian Mbappé entered into a multi-year partnership with Oakley, the company announced this week.
Since storming onto the scene with Monaco in 2015, the 23-year-old forward has become a global icon not just due to his pizzaz on the pitch — he became World Cup champion while still a teenager and now play alongside Lionel Messi and Neymar — but also brand partnerships with the likes of Nike, EA Sports, and Hublot.
With his feet and wrist already well decorated, this Oakley signing comes on the heels of the brand’s new “Be Who You Are” campaign film which highlights the EA Sports FIFA 22 cover star’s journey.
And his attitude.
“Everyone knows what I’m all about when it comes to football. Now, I’m excited to partner with a brand that wants to share my story off the pitch, and support what I want to do to help inspire global youth,” Mbappé said on the occasion. “I relate to the Oakley attitude in many ways – the disruptive, innovative spirit and the drive to create positive change. The “Be Who You Are” message resonated very strongly with me and I want to help instill that belief in staying true to yourself and that self confidence in others. And of course, the eyewear is pretty cool – you really feel like a superhero when you put on Kato!”
Signing a footballing sensation with worldwide reach isn’t an opportunity that pops up so often, but Oakley andMbappé are a natural fit. Look for him to make Oakley styles such as the Kato his own off the field as the collaboration takes shape. As one of the world’s most popular athletes, expect him to be the face of global brand campaigns for seasons to come.
In addition to the PSG phenom, Oakley has recently worked with the likes of Lamar Jackson, Kelly Oubre Jr., Justin Fields, Damian Lillard, and Mikaela Shiffrin.
Click here to learn more about the partnership and check out Mpabbe’s specially selected Oakley styles.
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