Le Coq Sportif: The Pioneering Kit Maker Files for Bankruptcy | OneFootball

Le Coq Sportif, the iconic French sportswear brand, has recently filed for bankruptcy and entered judicial receivership. The Paris Commercial Court has granted a six-month observation period to facilitate the company’s restructuring efforts. This move aims to address the brand’s financial challenges while safeguarding the jobs of its 330 employees and numerous indirect positions.

Despite reporting a 30% increase in sales during the first half of 2024, with revenues reaching €82 million, Le Coq Sportif faced widening losses amounting to €18.2 million, up from €10.5 million in the same period the previous year. The company attributes these losses to substantial investments in marketing and sales, which have significantly impacted its operations.

Founded in 1882, Le Coq Sportif has a storied history in sports apparel, particularly in tennis, rugby, cycling and, of course, soccer. Although not as well-known as PUMA, Adidas, Umbro and Nike, it was still a force in the industry back in the late ’70s through early ’90s. Seventeen different nations have sported a Le Coq kit, and eighty different clubs.

Some of the high-quality jerseys that have become iconic over the years include:

Argentina National Team (1980s): Worn during their triumphant 1986 World Cup campaign, famously associated with Diego Maradona’s legendary performances.

Aston Villa (1981-83): The English club donned Le Coq Sportif kits during their European Cup victory in 1982, marking a pinnacle in their achievements.

South Africa National Team (current): The only nation still wearing a Le Coq kit, Bofana Bofana will need to find someone new. Look for the most-recent kits to have a high value on the secondary market.

These jerseys not only represent significant moments in football history but also showcase Le Coq Sportif’s commitment to quality and design. As the company navigates its current financial challenges, the legacy of its contributions to sports apparel remains influential.