French Ligue 1 side Lille OSC are putting a unique spin on a traditional element of their home kits for 2024-25.
The club and manufacturer New Balance unveiled the kits on Wednesday, May 22. The kit is predominantly red, and the traditional V-shaped chevron on the chest is made up of several smaller tonal chevrons at different angles. This pattern gives the “illusion of thread … thus honoring the heritage of the textile industry of the North,” according to Lille’s website. “The whole result is an iconic tunic, graphic and elegant at the same time.”
The chevron on the chest has been a design element that Lille has used since to 1940s. It has at times disappeared for a few years, but always seems to make its way back in some form.
The collar of the shirt is navy blue and white, and navy panels runs down the sides of the shirt. 2024 marks Lille’s 80th anniversary, so the back collar contains a graphic with crests of Olympique Lillois and Sporting Club Fivois, the two clubs that merged to form the club as it is today. It also contains the new club’s original crest from 1944; it was called Stade Lillois for a few weeks before being renamed and officially registered as Lille Olympique Sporting Club.
In Wednesday’s announcement, the shirt was photographed with solid navy blue shorts and navy blue socks with two red zigzag lines around the calf.
Of note, Lille and New Balance are only offering one version of the jersey for sale; there are no replicas available. “On the field and in the stands, we all wear the same tunic. … The guarantee for each supporter to buy exactly the same jersey as that worn by the Mastiffs,” Lille’s website reads.
Jerseys are on sale on Lille OSC’s web store for 90 Euros ($98 US).
