Bradley Barcola

Bradley Barcola (born 2 September 2002) is a French professional footballer who plays as a forward or winger for club Paris Saint-Germain and the France national team.

After coming up through Lyon's academy, Barcola began his professional career with his boyhood club, where he would play two seasons, the latter of which he broke out into the starting squad, leading the club in assists. This breakout led to a €45 million move to Paris Saint-Germain in July 2023, where he was named the signing of the season for his debut campaign.

Barcola played youth international football for France at under-21 and Olympic levels. He made his senior international debut in June 2024, and was a member of the France squad for UEFA Euro 2024.

Early life
Barcola was born on 2 September 2002 in Villeurbanne, a commune in the Metropolis of Lyon, to a French mother and Togolese father. He started playing football in his home town, before joining Lyon at the age of eight.

Lyon
During the 2020–21 season Barcola started playing with the Lyon reserve in National 2 while also being a prolific goalscorer with the under-19 who played in the UEFA Youth League, before signing a junior contract in January 2021.

After being called up to the Lyon first team by Peter Bosz during the 2021–22 pre-season—scoring his first goal against Bourg-en-Bresse — Barcola signed his first professional contract in September 2021, tying him to the club until 2024.

Barcola made his professional debut for Lyon on 4 November 2021, replacing Rayan Cherki at the 81st minute of a 3–0 home win against Sparta Prague in the group stage of the Europa League. He managed to provide an assist for Karl Toko Ekambi on Lyon's third goal, helping his side to a win that would make them the first team to officially qualify for this edition round of 16.

Barcola had more playing time during the 2022–23 season, contributing to Lyon's front line alongside top scorer Alexandre Lacazette. On 7 May 2023, he assisted three goals for Lyon and Lacazette for a comeback win against Montpellier in a nine-goal thriller, canceling out four goals scored by striker Elye Wahi.

Paris Saint-Germain
On 31 August 2023, Barcola joined fellow Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for a reported €45 million fee, signing a five-year contract with the club. He was assigned the number 29 jersey. On 3 September, Barcola made his debut as a substitute in a 4–1 away win over his former club Lyon. He became the 500th player to make an appearance for Paris Saint-Germain. On 24 September, Barcola made his first start for PSG in a 4–0 win over Le Classique rivals Marseille. On 29 October, he recorded his first goal contribution for the club, an assist for Warren Zaïre-Emery's opening goal in a 3–2 away win over Brest. On 9 December, Barcola scored his first goal for PSG in a 2–1 win over Nantes.

On 14 February 2024, he scored his first Champions League goal in a 2–0 victory over Real Sociedad in the first leg of the round of 16. The French winger received great praise for his performance in a 4–1 away victory over Barcelona in the Champions League quarter finals second leg on April 16, 2024. He gave a key assist to Ousmane Dembele for the equalizing goal in the match, and was key throughout as Paris overturned a 3–2 deficit. On June 10, 2024 Barcola was named by Ligue 1 as the signing of the season.

International career
Barcola was first selected with France under-18 in January 2020 to play two friendly matches. However, he did not appear as most junior encounters were cancelled due to COVID-19 during the following seasons.

On 16 May 2024, Barcola received his first call-up to the France national team for UEFA Euro 2024. On 5 June 2024, he debuted as a substitute to Marcus Thuram in the 81st minute of a 3–0 friendly victory against Luxembourg at Stade Saint-Symphorien in Metz. Barcola also got his first goal contribution with an assist to Kylian Mbappé. In the meantime, his club, Paris Saint-Germain, denied him permission to compete in the 2024 Summer Olympics on home soil, along with his teammate Warren Zaïre-Emery.

Style of play
Barcola is a versatile forward, able to play on both sides of a front three or as a centre forward. He takes inspiration from players such as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Personal life
Barcola holds French and Togolese nationalities. His brother Malcolm is also a footballer.

Honours
Paris Saint-Germain
 * Ligue 1: 2023–24
 * Coupe de France: 2023–24
 * Trophée des Champions: 2023