Lacoste, the French fashion house inseparable from its legendary crocodile emblem, has taken a bold and unexpected turn. In its latest collection, the brand decided to temporarily set aside the iconic reptile and replace it with a goat. At first glance, the move may sound whimsical, but it carries a deeper meaning. The switch is a symbolic tribute to Novak Djokovic — one of the greatest tennis players in history, who for years has been rewriting the record books and redefining what it means to be a champion.
Djokovic has been part of the Lacoste family since 2017, serving as an ambassador and face of the brand on and off the tennis court. This year marks a special milestone in their partnership: the launch of a capsule collection dedicated entirely to him. For Lacoste, simply designing a few pieces wasn’t enough. Instead, the brand chose to embed his identity into its very core — the logo. Since Djokovic has long been described as the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) in the tennis world, the crocodile gives way, at least for now, to the goat. It is a symbolic passing of the torch: from the resilience and strength of the crocodile to the ultimate greatness embodied by Djokovic.
The decision isn’t just a clever marketing move. It reflects Djokovic’s extraordinary career, filled with unforgettable victories across the biggest stages in tennis. From his dominance at the Australian Open to his triumphs at Wimbledon and the US Open, Djokovic has accumulated records that position him firmly in the pantheon of sporting legends. For fans and experts alike, the GOAT label isn’t just an exaggeration or a nickname — it’s a recognition of what he has accomplished in more than a decade of competition at the highest level.
“This symbolic metamorphosis, entitled From Crocodile to Goat, pays tribute to an extraordinary athlete who has transcended the boundaries of greatness and pushed beyond what was thought possible in the world of tennis,” Lacoste explained in its official press release. With these words, the brand emphasized that this was not a gimmick but a heartfelt homage to a player who has reshaped the sport.
The capsule line itself has been carefully designed to reflect both Djokovic’s personal style and Lacoste’s heritage. It includes five essential pieces: a timeless polo shirt, a classic T-shirt, a comfortable sweatshirt, tailored pants and a sporty cap. Each item carries the new goat emblem, turning the collection into something more than just clothing — it becomes a wearable statement of Djokovic’s journey. The line made its debut on the U.S. market on August 22, where it instantly drew the attention of both tennis fans and fashion followers eager to own a piece of this unique collaboration.
Ultimately, the collection is more than just limited-edition sportswear. It symbolizes the blending of tradition and innovation, fashion and performance, heritage and greatness. By swapping its crocodile for a goat, Lacoste doesn’t just celebrate Djokovic’s status as the Greatest of All Time — it also reminds us that fashion, like sport, is about evolution, daring choices and timeless symbols.
Photos courtesy of Lacoste
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