Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Bradley Barcola

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 19, 2026

How Bradley Barcola built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Bradley Barcola is a dynamic French professional footballer who primarily operates as a forward or winger. Emerging from the Olympique Lyonnais academy, he gained recognition for his exceptional pace, technical dribbling, and versatility in attacking roles. In 2023, Barcola completed a high-profile transfer to Paris Saint-Germain, where he has become a pivotal figure in the club's offensive strategy. Known for his ability to beat defenders in one-on-one situations and his clinical finishing, he has quickly established himself as one of Ligue 1’s most exciting talents. His impressive domestic performances also earned him a call-up to the France national team, highlighting his rising status as a key prospect in international football.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

14 May 2026: Selection for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

On 14 May 2026, Bradley Barcola was officially named to the 26-man squad representing France in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

16 June 2026: First World Cup Goal

On 16 June 2026, Bradley Barcola marked a significant achievement by scoring his first-ever goal in a FIFA World Cup match during France's victory over Senegal.

16 May 2024: First France National Team Call-up

On 16 May 2024, Bradley Barcola earned his maiden call-up to represent the France national team for the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament.

18 July 2026: Third Place Playoff Goal

On 18 July 2026, Barcola scored a goal for France against England during the third-place playoff match, which ultimately ended in a 6-4 loss for France.

January 2020: First Selection for France U-18

In January 2020, Bradley Barcola received his first selection for the France under-18 national football team to participate in two friendly matches, although the games were ultimately cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020: Progression in Lyon Youth Ranks

During the 2020 season, Bradley Barcola began competing with the Lyon reserve team in the National 2 division while simultaneously establishing himself as a high-scoring forward for the under-19 squad participating in the UEFA Youth League.

2020: Comparison to Football Idols

In 2020, Bradley Barcola publicly identified Cristiano Ronaldo and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as his sources of inspiration and noted that he perceives his own playing style to be similar to theirs.

January 2021: Signing of Junior Contract

In January 2021, Bradley Barcola officially signed his first junior contract with Lyon, marking a significant step in his professional football career.

September 2021: Signing of first professional contract

In September 2021, Bradley Barcola officially signed his first professional contract with Olympique Lyonnais, securing his commitment to the club.

November 2021: Professional debut for Olympique Lyonnais

On November 4, 2021, Bradley Barcola made his professional debut for Lyon during a UEFA Europa League match against Sparta Prague, coming off the bench to provide an assist in a 3–0 victory that secured the team's spot in the round of 16.

2022: 2022-23 season contribution

Throughout the 2022–23 season, Bradley Barcola established himself as a key offensive contributor for Lyon, finishing the campaign with 7 goals and 9 assists.

January 2023: Integration into Lyon's first-team rotation

In January 2023, Bradley Barcola was initially seeking a loan move to St. Gallen due to limited playing time, but the deal fell through due to Lyon's internal personnel needs, leading to his increased role within the club's rotation.

April 2023: Game-winning goal against PSG

On 2 April 2023, Bradley Barcola secured a crucial 1-0 victory for Olympique Lyonnais against Paris Saint-Germain by scoring the only goal of the match at the Parc des Princes.

May 2023: Three-assist performance against Montpellier

On 7 May 2023, Bradley Barcola delivered an impressive performance, recording three assists during a high-scoring 5-4 victory for Lyon against Montpellier.

2023: 2023–24 Season Conclusion

At the conclusion of the 2023–24 season, Barcola recorded a total of five goals and eight assists across thirty-nine appearances for his club, Paris Saint-Germain.

2023: Transfer to Paris Saint-Germain

In 2023, Bradley Barcola completed a transfer to the French club Paris Saint-Germain for a reported fee of €45 million.

February 2024: First UEFA Champions League Goal

On 14 February 2024, Bradley Barcola scored his debut goal in the UEFA Champions League during a 2–0 win against Real Sociedad in the round of 16.

April 2024: Standout Performance Against Barcelona

On 16 April 2024, Barcola delivered a crucial performance in the Champions League quarter-final second leg, providing an assist for Ousmane Dembélé to help Paris Saint-Germain defeat Barcelona 4–1 and advance.

June 2024: Senior International Debut

In June 2024, Bradley Barcola made his senior international football debut for the France national team.

August 2024: Strong start to the 2024-2025 Ligue 1 season

On 16 August 2024, Bradley Barcola netted his first goal of the season during a 4-1 win against Le Havre, followed by his first career brace on 23 August 2024 in a 6-0 victory over Montpellier.

September 2024: Record-breaking first international goal

On 6 September 2024, at the Parc des Princes, Bradley Barcola scored his first international goal for France just 12 seconds into a UEFA Nations League match against Italy. This achievement established a new record for the fastest goal by France in the last 90 years and also marked the fastest goal ever conceded by Italy.

2024: Expiration of professional contract

The professional contract signed by Bradley Barcola in 2021 was scheduled to remain in effect until the year 2024.

January 2025: Goal and assist against Manchester City

On 22 January 2025, Barcola contributed significantly to a 4-2 win over Manchester City by recording both a goal and an assist.

2025: UEFA Champions League Victory

In 2025, Bradley Barcola secured a major career milestone by winning the UEFA Champions League as part of a continental treble with Paris Saint-Germain.

2026: FIFA World Cup Participation

In 2026, Bradley Barcola was a member of the France squad participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

25 June 2024: Euro 2024 Debut and First Start

On 25 June 2024, Barcola recorded his first start for France during the Euro 2024 group stage match against Poland, which ended in a 1–1 draw.

30 June 2026: Round of 32 Goal Against Sweden

During the round of 32 match on 30 June 2026, Barcola contributed to France's success by scoring the second goal in their 3–0 win over Sweden.

31 August 2023: Transfer to Paris Saint-Germain

On 31 August 2023, Bradley Barcola officially joined Paris Saint-Germain from Lyon for a transfer fee of €45 million, signing a contract that binds him to the club for five years and wearing the number 29 jersey.

5 June 2024: International Debut and First Assist

On 5 June 2024, Barcola made his debut for the France national team as a substitute against Luxembourg, marking the occasion by providing his first assist for the team on a goal by Kylian Mbappé.