Billionaire Profile
Michel Leclercq & family
Global Rank
#789

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Michel Leclercq & family

CEO, Decathlon
FR
Real-Time Net Worth
$5.1B
As of December 2025
Age
86
Source
Sporting goods
Industry
fashion-retail
Citizenship
FR

Biography

Michel Leclercq, the founder of Decathlon, a leading sporting goods retailer, has a net worth estimated at $5.1 billion. The source of his wealth is primarily from the sporting goods industry. Leclercq founded Decathlon in 1976 and has built it into the largest sporting goods retailer in the world. Throughout his career, Leclercq focused on offering high-performing products at accessible prices and expanding the brand globally. His achievements include pioneering an in-house product development model and expanding Decathlon to over 1,800 stores worldwide. He is married to Marie-Claude Leclercq, with whom he has four children.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Michel Leclercq was born in 1939. He founded Decathlon in 1976 in Lille, France. Decathlon's name is derived from the combined athletic event comprising ten different disciplines.

Rise to Success

Leclercq's vision was to create a store offering a wide array of sports equipment and apparel. Decathlon's business model combines in-house product development, production, and retail operations, allowing the company to offer affordable sports gear without compromising quality. Decathlon's revenue in 2024 was €16.2 billion. The company has expanded to 79 territories and has 1,817 stores worldwide as of 2024.

Key Business Strategies

Decathlon focuses on in-house product development and offers products under more than 85 brands. They have launched a simplified brand portfolio consisting of category specialist brands and expert brands. The company also has a strong emphasis on customer experience, with stores featuring dedicated sports zones.

Philanthropy

Michel Leclercq is involved with the Decathlon Foundation, established in 2005. Decathlon supports projects assisting the inclusion of people in vulnerable situations, with 96 new projects supported in 2024.

Career Milestones

1976

Founded Decathlon

Michel Leclercq founded Decathlon in Lille, France.

2024

Revenue of €16.2 Billion

Decathlon recorded a revenue of €16.2 billion.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Social Impact

Decathlon Foundation

Undisclosed

Supports sports projects helping the inclusion of people in vulnerable situations.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"“Treat your customer as if they were your best friend.”"

"“The goal of the day is not to have made the biggest turnover, but to see our customers coming back in six months, in a year.”"

"“It's forbidden to cheat a customer at DECATHLON.”"

Leadership Principles

Customer Focus

Prioritizing customer satisfaction and building long-term relationships.

Integrity

Emphasizing honesty and ethical behavior in all business dealings.

Accessibility

Making sports and sports equipment accessible to everyone.