The story of Macron: from Bologna to an international brand

From local origins to a global leader in sports apparel: over 50 years of passion, growth and innovation

Macron was founded in Bologna in 1971 and began its activity as a sports goods store. In the 1980s, Macron transformed into a small manufacturing company and began producing clothing for the leading sports apparel brands of the time, such as Champions. Later, in the 1990s, Macron created its own brand and combined production for other brands with that of its own brand.

Macron’s adventure in professional football began in 2001 with the first sponsorship of a top club: Bologna FC 1909. Since then, Macron has sponsored more and more clubs and federations worldwide in various sports. Today, Macron is the technical sponsor of more than 100 professional clubs, national teams, and federations in more than 25 countries.

The path of growth and success spans over 50 years, leading to extraordinary results. Since 2004, revenue has grown from 10 million euros to 224 million in 2024, with more than 80% of revenue generated from international markets.

Milestones

1971

Macron was born in Bologna and began his own business as the exclusive distributor for baseball equipment in Italy on behalf of MacGregor USA and other American brands operating in the baseball industry.

2001

Macron’s adventure in professional football begins with his first sponsorship contract with a Serie A club, Bologna FC 1909. On the occasion of the historic qualification to the Champions League in 2024, Macron celebrates this milestone by organizing a Hall of Dreams of the Macron Campus, an exhibition dedicated to the most iconic jerseys that have adorned Bologna FC over the years.

2004

Macron changes course: the new management officially takes office and Gianluca Pavanello is appointed new CEO, opening the way for a season of growth that is still ongoing.

2010

The Macron Store project is born, the one-brand store that offers the entire range of Macron products: from teamwear to accessories, from merchandising to leisure time. To bring fans closer to their teams, Macron has also opened its Official Online Shop.

2013

Macron signs his first technical sponsorship contract with a National Team: the Scottish Rugby Union, By officially entering the world of rugby, the Italian brand becomes the team's official technical supplier, establishing one of the most solid and productive relationships in the field of the oval ball with a long renewal agreement signed in 2024.

2019

Macron becomes the official technical sponsor of UEFA referees, providing all the technical material to the refereeing department in UEFA competitions.

2022

Macron becomes the new technical partner of World Rugby by supplying clothing for the Emirates Match Officials and for the World Rugby staff, for international tournaments and for the Rugby World Cup 2023 matches.

2024

Macron strengthens his global presence with the opening of a new headquarters in United States, This is a strategic move to grow in a crucial market and consolidate its role in the international arena.

2025

Work begins on the construction of a third building, which will bring the total number of buildings to Macron Campus This expansion further strengthens the company’s production and logistics capabilities, highlighting Macron’s commitment to sustainable and continuous growth.