French Swimmer Léon Marchand Joins Nike’s Elite Roster of Global Athletes

What to know

• French swimmer Léon Marchand, a four-time Olympic gold medalist and five-time world champion, is joining Nike’s unparalleled roster of global athletes.
• In partnering with Nike, Léon joins a decorated athlete roster fueled by the brand’s holistic, industry-leading support and longstanding commitment to innovation, all in service of athletes.
• Alongside fellow countrymen Kylian Mbappé and Victor Wembanyama, Léon embodies a new generation of French athletes who transcend sport — redefining what it means to be an athlete today.

Nike is announcing the addition of French swimmer Léon Marchand, a four-time Olympic gold medalist and five-time world champion, to its unparalleled roster of global athletes.

At 23 years old, Léon has already rewritten the history of swimming — demonstrating an unshakable commitment to progress, both in the water and beyond. In partnering with Nike, he joins a decorated athlete roster fueled by the brand’s holistic, industry-leading support and longstanding commitment to innovation, all in service of athletes.

“I’ve always admired Nike: the energy, the culture, the values,” says Léon. “Joining this team is a dream and a new beginning.”

Léon was a dominant force in the 2024 Olympic Games, claiming gold in the 200-meter breaststroke, butterfly and medley, along with the 400-meter medley. He was the 2022 and 2023 world champion in both the 200-meter and 400-meter medley, also winning the 2023 world championship in the 200-meter butterfly. Further, he won nine races across disciplines in the 2024 Swimming World Cup.

Beyond his accomplishments in the pool, Léon is known for his curiosity and creativity — producing music, exploring movement and approaching performance through a unique lens. His interests across disciplines reflect a new kind of athlete, one that defies old labels.

Léon’s partnership with Nike also begins at a defining moment. Together with fellow countrymen and Nike athletes Kylian Mbappé and Victor Wembanyama, two of the most influential competitors of their time, Léon embodies a new generation of French athletes who transcend sport. Individually, they dominate in their disciplines. Collectively, they represent a new winning mindset that’s creative, committed and focused on the future.

Further, Léon’s partnership announcement reflects Nike’s five-decade history as the brand of athletes and its continued commitment to inspiring and uplifting the next generation through partnerships, innovation and storytelling that move the world forward through the power of sport.

“It’s awesome for me, as a swimmer, to work with Nike to grow my sport with athletes and fans around the world,” says Léon. “That’s a really exciting challenge for me, and I know that my partnership with Nike will help me make an impact in swimming for years to come.”