Le Coq Sportif’s DNA and Core Values : 140 Years of French Sporting Excellence
Since 1882, Le Coq Sportif has embodied the authentic values of French sport through a unique passion and craftsmanship. Born in Romilly-sur-Seine, our brand has cultivated local artisanal expertise while gaining international recognition. Driven by excellence, proximity, and sharing, we remain true to the vision of our founder, Émile Camuset: to create innovative and responsible sports equipment. As a historic partner of the world’s greatest sporting events, we continue our commitment to a sustainable and inclusive future for sport.
The Story of an Iconic French Brand
From Romilly-sur-Seine to the World
The 1960s marked a major turning point in Le Coq Sportif’s expansion. The brand quickly became the go-to supplier for national football and rugby teams worldwide, thanks to prestigious partnerships.
In the 1970s, Le Coq Sportif opened its first stores in Paris, London, and Tokyo, boosting its global visibility. International success peaked in 1983 with Yannick Noah’s historic victory at Roland-Garros.
The journey continued in 1986, when the iconic rooster jersey was seen around the globe as Argentina won the World Cup in Mexico, cementing the brand’s international prestige.
The Evolution of the Logo Over the Decades
The iconic Gallic rooster first appeared in 1948, set against a radiant sun. A major change came in 1950, with the addition of a triangle symbolizing the company’s family-led direction.
In the 1970s, the logo underwent a modern transformation: simplified lines and minimalist design. The rooster, now facing left, represented a bold, forward-looking identity.
The 1975 version—featuring a white triangle with a blue border and a stylized rooster—lasted nearly 35 years. In 2009, designer Ron Arad reimagined the emblem, preserving the triangle while giving it a modern edge with bolder lines and updated typography.
Defining Moments That Shaped the Brand
In 1939, Le Coq Sportif revolutionized the sportswear industry by creating the first-ever tracksuit, dubbed the “Sunday suit,” which transformed athletes’ habits.
In 1951, the brand’s prestige soared when it outfitted all 12 teams of the Tour de France. That momentum led to a landmark partnership with the French Tennis Federation in 1965.
The 1960 Olympic Games in Rome marked another milestone: the French delegation proudly wore Le Coq Sportif gear. More recently, Tony Yoka’s gold medal at the Rio 2016 Olympics revived the brand’s Olympic legacy and set the stage for new ambitions ahead of Paris 2024.
Authenticity at the Heart of Our Brand Values
Authenticity Through Proximity
Le Coq Sportif is deeply rooted in its home region of Aube, France. We maintain strong ties with local artisans and workshops, preserving generations of textile expertise.
This proximity extends to our athletes—both amateur and professional—through direct conversations and regular meetups, ensuring our gear meets real-world needs.
We maintain that same close connection with our passionate community. Interactive events in our stores allow customers to explore behind the scenes and engage with our vision of sport.
The Passion for French Sport
French sporting pride has fueled Le Coq Sportif since day one. From the 1912 Olympic Games to AS Saint-Étienne’s legendary victories, we’ve supported French athletes through the decades.
The soul of our brand lives in every jersey worn by our champions—from the French national rugby teams to dancers at the Paris Opera. Le Coq Sportif celebrates the diversity of French athleticism.
This national pride is passed on to future generations through regular meet-and-greets between athletes and young talents at amateur clubs, preserving and sharing the values that have defined us since the 19th century.
Authenticity Through a Commitment to Responsible Sport
Our textile development center in Romilly-sur-Seine showcases French excellence, with 30 specialized artisans. We work with local partners—within a 50-kilometer radius—for knitting, dyeing, and embroidery.
Supporting Athletes of All Backgrounds
Le Coq Sportif supports 74 athletes across 31 different disciplines—from rugby to swimming to judo. Each athlete receives personalized gear tailored to their performance needs.
Young talents are a priority through the “Avenir Champions” program, which offers material and technical support to promising French athletes. Regular training sessions help fine-tune their gear in real conditions.
We’re also committed to adaptive sports, providing custom equipment to Paralympic athletes. This close collaboration led to the creation of a dedicated collection for the Paris 2024 Games.
Authenticity Through a Prestigious Sporting Legacy
Historic Partnerships
Le Coq Sportif’s legendary journey began in 1951, when it became the official supplier of the Tour de France’s yellow jersey—a relationship that continues today.
This opened doors to partnerships with major French sports institutions. From 1912 to 1972, the brand outfitted the French Olympic team, becoming part of the nation’s most iconic sporting moments.
In the 1980s, the brand partnered with football legends like AS Saint-Étienne and Diego Maradona’s Argentina. More recently, the signing of a deal with the French Rugby Federation strengthened our longstanding presence in team sports.
Mythical Victories
In 1975, Arthur Ashe made history as the first Black player to win Wimbledon, proudly wearing Le Coq Sportif—a turning point in tennis history.
1983 brought another unforgettable moment: Yannick Noah’s Roland-Garros victory. His white and yellow outfit instantly became a symbol of national pride.
And who could forget the 1986 World Cup? Maradona’s genius led Argentina to glory, sporting the iconic rooster jersey—catapulting the French brand to the top of world football.
These iconic wins, carried by extraordinary athletes, helped build the legend of a brand deeply woven into sports history.
For the Love of Sport: The Vision for 2025
Paris 2024 Olympic Commitment
Le Coq Sportif experienced a historic milestone by becoming the official outfitter for the French Olympic and Paralympic Teams at the Paris 2024 Games. A total of 840 French athletes proudly wore our gear across 63 different disciplines.
Our Romilly-sur-Seine teams met the massive challenge of producing over 150,000 performance garments for athletes, and 220,000 more outfits for organizers and officials. This mission showcased our full range of skills, from performance jerseys to podium attire.
Designed by Stéphane Ashpool, the Olympic collection reflects the values of French sport. It reimagines the French flag with a vibrant color palette. Athletes wear these pieces with pride—symbols of French excellence on the world stage.
