Listen to the article
Oakley announced a new, multi-year partnership with French footballer and Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappé.
At just 23 years old, Mbappé is already considered to be a generational talent, but the sport performance brand says in a press announcement it has partnered with him not because of what he has accomplished on the pitch, but because of the person he is off it.
The brand’s new “Be Who You Are” campaign film chronicles Mbappé’s journey and highlights his individual attitude and spirit.
Mbappé has shown that hard work and persistence can accomplish any dream. It wasn’t just a gift that got him to the top of his game – it was grit. Behind the trophies and the triumphs is a young man who has worked relentlessly to reach the top of the global soccer world. Praise has been continually heaped on him, and rightfully so. Despite these achievements, Mbappé has remained humble and never forgot his origins - a message he is keen to share with others in the hope of inspiring them on their own personal journey.
That is the basis for the “Be Who You Are” campaign, a short film that tells the story of a boy born in the suburbs of Paris with a dream to lead his country back to the grandest stage with a World Cup victory.
“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," said Kylian Mbappé. “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!”
“We live in a world that constantly invites us to see athletes as untouchable idols,” said Caio Amato, Oakley Global Marketing Director. “However, at Oakley we believe that athletes aren’t measured only by the strength of their body, speed, or accuracy, but by the strength of their heart, kindness, and empathy. And that is what Kylian represents to us: a great human being that understands his role beyond sport – to lead and inspire future generations to believe in themselves and be who they are.”
Off the field, Mbappé will support Oakley's iconic lifestyle eyewear collection. This includes Kato, the ground-breaking eyewear, which revolutionized the industry upon its introduction in 2021. Mbappé will bring his irresistible energy and personality to the brand, supporting product releases for years to come.
To launch the partnership, the full Oakley & Kylian Mbappé announcement “Be Who You Are” campaign video will be released on January 13th at 6:00 pm CEST on @Oakley Instagram.
