A word about our founder.

Born in the late 19th century, French brand Le Coq Sportif founder Emile Camuset was passionate about sports, especially track and field, cycling and football. Le Coq Sportif entered the athletic wear market in 1882. Camuset initially focused on track and field. The products were so well received that even people from England came to see Emile – which was quite a journey at the time. A worthy brand was born.

The evolution of an icon

Le Coq Sportif literally means ‘the sporty rooster.’ The rooster is a nod to the brand’s origin, as the rooster is the national symbol of France. The first Le Coq Sportif logo was a rooster standing in front of the sun, surrounded by a triangle. Over the years, the logo has undergone various changes. Still, the fundamental elements – rooster and triangle – are very much intact today and the brand experience is more vital than ever.

An illustrated history

Legendary facts, people, moments and achievements

Yannick Noah, Eddy Merckx, Johan Cruyff, Diego Maradona, Bernard Hinault, Michel Platini, Tom Boonen: these are just a few of the famous names whose legendary achievements were backed by Le Coq Sportif.

1950 - 80% of all African football teams wear Le Coq Sportif.
1951 - Le Coq Sportif becomes the exclusive outfitter for the Tour de France. Competitors from twelve international teams wear Le Coq Sportif.
1960 - Le Coq Sportif outfits the French team for the Summer Olympics in Rome. France shines in numerous events.
1966 – For the first time in history the Le Coq Sportif logo is embroidered on the jerseys worn in the Tour de France – a huge boost for Le Coq Sportif’s brand awareness.
1966 – France’s national football team wins the world championship at Wembley dressed in Le Coq Sportif gear.
1971 – Amsterdam’s Ajax football club wins the Europa Cup (now called the Champions League) wearing Le Coq Sportif.
1978 – Led by Maradona, Argentina captures the World Champion title.
1983 - Yannick Noah ultimately triumphs over Mats Willander in a legendary match in the French Open final.
1982 – Now it is Italy’s turn to win the World Championship cup – dressed in Le Coq Sportif.
1986 – Argentina recaptures the cup, sponsored by Le Coq Sportif.

Legendary moments in soccer

Advertising through the years

Monsieur Le Coq Sportif: Yannick Noah

Yannick Noah is one of the most colourful characters in the world of sports. His athletic prowess, charm, wilfulness and humour have won the hearts of sports fans around the world. Le Coq Sportif is proud to have maintained a sponsor relationship with Yannick Noah for over 25 years.

Yannick Noah in top form.

Le Coq Sportif innovations

Camuset and his successors consistently pursued a vision characterized by innovation and confidence. By listening carefully and paying close attention to athletes, Le Coq Sportif developed apparel such as tracksuits and skin-tight jerseys. Le Coq Sportif likewise led the way in the development of dyeing processes, raw materials and textile finishings. The brand has always been aware of the commercial aspect of business, too, as demonstrated by the fact that Le Coq Sportif was the first athletic brand to advertise on television in France in 1968.

A passion for cycling

Le Coq Sportif & Adidas

Le Coq Sportif joined forces with Adidas in 1966. At the time, Le Coq Sportif was the expert on textiles, and had a large share of the French sports market too. Meanwhile, Adidas knew a lot about leather and had an impressive market presence spanning the globe. The partnership was extremely successful and popular around the world for many years among athletes as well as consumers. The brands parted ways in 1995.

Some true classics