Bradley Barcola: Profile and playing style

Barcola is the youngest player in Europe's top five divisions to have contributed to 10 goals in every tournament in 2023.

French footballer Bradley Barcola, born on 2nd September 2002, is an attacker for Lyon in Ligue 1. In Villeurbanne, Bradley Barcola was born into a family with Togolese ancestry. Prior to signing with Olympique Lyonnais at age 8, he began playing football in his hometown, a suburb of Lyon.

Before signing an amateur agreement in January 2021, Barcola began playing for the Lyon reserve team in National 2 during the 2020–21 campaign. He was also a prolific goal scorer for the under-19 team that competed in the UEFA Youth League.

Beginning of Barcola's professional career

Barcola received his initial professional agreement on September 2021, binding him to the team until 2024 after being promoted to the Olympique Lyonnais first squad by Peter Bosz during the 2021–22 pre-season. He scored his first goal against Bourg–en–Bresse.

On November 4, 2021, Barcola marked his professional debut for Lyon after taking Rayan Cherki's place in the 81st minute of a 3-0 home victory over Sparta Prague in the Europa League group stage. He also set up Karl Toko Ekambi for Lyon's third goal, assisting Lyon to a victory that would make them the very first team to formally qualify for the round of 16 in this edition.

Barcola was initially chosen to play two friendlies in January 2020 with the France under-18 team. He was not given an official cap, though, as the majority of junior matches throughout the following seasons were postponed because of COVID-19.

Prior to the Coupe de France semifinal with FC Nantes, Bradley Barcola, who is 20 years and 212 days old, became the youngest player in Europe's top five divisions to have contributed to 10 goals in every tournament in 2023 (six goals and four assists).

The playing style of Bradley Barcola

Barcola is a dynamic attacker who can play as the centre forward or on either side of a front three. He draws inspiration from players like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, because he is quick and accurate in front of the goal.