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Global Rank
#694

Image: Michels, John, 1875- edt American Association for the Advancement of Science | Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Michel Leclercq & family

CEO, Sporting goods
FRANCE
Real-Time Net Worth
$5.995B
Estimated based on Sporting goods stock value as of March 6, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
86
Source
Sporting goods
Industry
Fashion & Retail
Citizenship
FRANCE

Biography

Michel Leclercq, born in France in 1939, is the founder of Decathlon, one of the world's largest sporting goods retailers. His wealth source is rooted in the sporting goods industry through Decathlon. He established the first Decathlon store in 1976, which has since grown to have over 1,800 stores in 79 countries. With a net worth of approximately $5.4 billion as of July 2024, Leclercq's career has been marked by innovation, including vertical integration, and a commitment to making sports accessible to everyone. He resides in Lille, France, and is married with four children.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 3/6/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Michel Leclercq was born in Tourcoing, France, on May 27, 1939. He is a member of the Mulliez family, known for founding the Auchan supermarket chain. His father was Xavier Leclercq and mother Jeanne Mulliez. He is married to Marie-Claude Leclercq, a psychotherapist.

Rise to Success

In 1976, Leclercq founded Decathlon, a sporting goods retailer, in Englos, near Lille, France. The first store offered a wide variety of sports equipment under one roof, emphasizing affordability and quality. The business model focused on vertical integration, designing, manufacturing, and distributing its products. This approach allowed Decathlon to maintain competitive prices and expand globally.

Key Business Strategies

Decathlon's success stems from several key strategies. The company offers a comprehensive range of products for various sports, often under its own brand names. The brand is known for its innovative approach to product development, registering numerous patents annually. Moreover, Decathlon emphasizes making sports accessible to everyone, offering affordable products and fostering a welcoming environment in its stores.

Philanthropy

Michel Leclercq has been involved in various philanthropic initiatives, supporting education, sports development, and environmental conservation.

Career Milestones

1976

Founded Decathlon

Established the first Decathlon store in Englos, France, bringing together a wide range of sports equipment.

2009

Stepped down as Chairman

Ceded the role of chairman of the supervisory board to his son, Olivier Leclercq.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

General Philanthropy

Various causes

Unknown

Supported education, sports development, and environmental conservation

Controversies & Challenges

2025

Forced Labor Allegations

Decathlon was linked to sourcing products from a Chinese textile manufacturer implicated in state-sponsored forced labor programs targeting the Uyghur minority in Xinjiang.

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