Bradley Barcola: From Lyon’s Prodigy to PSG’s Rising Star
Born on September 2, 2002, in Villeurbanne, France, Bradley Jean-Manuel Essolisam Barcola has swiftly ascended the ranks of professional football, showcasing his prowess as a forward and winger.
As of February 2025, at 22 years old, Barcola stands as a pivotal figure for both Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and the French national team.
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Early Life and Family Background
Hailing from a diverse heritage, Barcola was born to a French mother and a Togolese father. This blend of cultures enriched his upbringing in Villeurbanne, a suburb of Lyon.
Football runs deep in the Barcola family; his older brother, Malcolm Barcola, is a professional goalkeeper who has represented the Togo national team.
The brothers often trained together during their youth, fostering a competitive spirit and mutual support that propelled them both into professional football.
Youth Development at Olympique Lyonnais
Barcola’s football journey commenced at the tender age of six with AS Buers Villeurbanne in 2008. His exceptional talent soon caught the attention of scouts from Olympique Lyonnais, leading to his enrollment in their esteemed youth academy in 2010.
During the 2019–2020 season, he made significant strides with Lyon’s U19 team, netting 11 goals in 17 league appearances. This impressive performance culminated in his first professional contract with Lyon in September 2021.
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Professional Debut and Breakthrough at Lyon
Barcola’s senior debut for Lyon occurred on November 4, 2021, during a UEFA Europa League match against Sparta Prague.
Entering as a substitute in the 81st minute, he promptly provided an assist for Karl Toko Ekambi, contributing to a 3–0 victory and securing Lyon’s advancement to the Round of 16.
The 2022–2023 season marked Barcola’s emergence as a key player for Lyon. He led the team in assists and demonstrated versatility by playing both as a forward and winger. His speed, work ethic, dribbling skills, and finishing ability garnered attention from top clubs across Europe.
Transfer to Paris Saint-Germain
On August 31, 2023, Barcola made a high-profile move to Paris Saint-Germain for a reported €45 million fee, signing a five-year contract and donning the number 29 jersey.
His debut for PSG was particularly noteworthy, as he faced his former club, Lyon, on September 3, 2023. Coming on as a substitute, Barcola became the 500th player to represent PSG in a competitive match, contributing to a 4–1 victory.
In his inaugural season with PSG, Barcola played an instrumental role in the team’s domestic treble, securing the Ligue 1 title, Coupe de France, and Trophée des Champions. His outstanding performances earned him the UNFP Ligue 1 Player of the Month award in September 2024.
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International Career with France
Barcola’s international journey began with the France U20 team in 2022, followed by a stint with the U21 squad. His consistent performances led to a call-up to the senior national team for UEFA Euro 2024.
He made his senior debut on June 5, 2024, in a friendly against Luxembourg, where he provided an assist for Kylian Mbappé in a 3–0 victory.
Throughout the Euro 2024 tournament, Barcola made significant contributions, including a start in the group stage against Poland and appearances in the quarter-final against Portugal and the semi-final against Spain.
Playing Style and Personal Attributes
Standing at 1.82 meters (6 feet), Barcola is celebrated for his versatility, capable of operating effectively on both wings or as a central striker.
His explosive pace, technical prowess, and keen positional awareness make him a constant threat to opposing defenses.
Off the field, Barcola is known for his humility and dedication, often attributing his success to the support of his family and the foundational values instilled during his upbringing.
Recent Developments and Future Prospects
The 2024–2025 season has seen Barcola elevate his game, particularly following the arrival of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia at PSG in mid-January 2025.
This new partnership has invigorated Barcola’s performance in the UEFA Champions League, where he has scored three goals in four appearances since Kvaratskhelia’s arrival.
Notably, on February 19, 2025, Barcola delivered a standout performance in a 7–0 victory over Brest, contributing a goal, an assist, and playing a crucial role in a third goal, leading PSG to a 10–0 aggregate win and advancement to the Round of 16.
As of February 2025, Barcola’s statistics for the season are impressive. In Ligue 1, he has made 22 appearances, scoring 11 goals and providing 2 assists.
His market value has seen a significant rise, currently estimated at €65 million, reflecting his growing influence and potential in European football.
Looking ahead, Barcola’s trajectory suggests a promising future. His burgeoning partnership with Kvaratskhelia and continued development under PSG’s tactical framework position him as a key player for both club and country.
Fans and analysts alike eagerly anticipate his contributions in the upcoming UEFA Champions League knockout stages and the remainder of the domestic season.